A husband has been jailed after his wife, with her dying words, revealed that he was the one who stabbed her.

On Monday, August 18, 36-year-old Stephen Dennis was sentenced to 18 years in prison for killing his wife, 37-year-old mother of two, Aliccia Grant. The announcement was made by Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell.

The attack happened in the parking lot of a Home Depot in 2024, where Dennis fatally stabbed his wife not long after their wedding.

Earlier this year, Dennis admitted guilt and pleaded guilty to second-degree murder.

Attorney Mitchell described the act as a deep betrayal. She said, “This wasn’t just violence — it was a betrayal by someone who should have been her protector. Murder inside a relationship built on trust is especially cruel, and we will continue to fight against domestic abusers.”

The stabbing took place on September 9, 2024, when Phoenix Police received a call about an incident outside a Home Depot in north Phoenix.

According to the attorney, nearby witnesses heard cries for help and rushed to find Grant in the driver’s seat of a red Prius with several stab wounds.

Witnesses reported that Dennis, who was sitting in the front passenger seat, got out of the car, argued with a bystander, then fled the scene with a bag in his hand.

Police officers and witnesses tried to save Grant. While an officer applied pressure to her wounds, she used her final breath to name Dennis as her attacker.

She was quickly taken to a nearby hospital but sadly did not survive.

Shortly after running away, Dennis called 911 himself and confessed to stabbing his wife. He also told officers where to find the knife he used.

Investigations later revealed that the couple had only recently married and were already discussing an annulment before the attack happened.