An Arizona man convicted of fatally stabbing his wife in the parking lot of a Home Depot in north Phoenix has been sentenced to 18 years in prison. Stephen Dennis, 36, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the death of his wife, Aliccia Grant, 37, a mother of two. Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell announced the sentencing on Monday, August 18, 2024.
The Murder and Dennis’ Arrest
The tragic incident took place early in the morning on September 9, 2024, when Phoenix police responded to a call about a stabbing outside a Home Depot. Witnesses reported hearing a woman scream for help and found the victim, Aliccia Grant, in the driver’s seat of a red Prius with multiple stab wounds. Dennis was in the front passenger seat but fled the scene on foot after arguing with a bystander and grabbing a bag from the car.
As police arrived, witnesses and officers attempted to provide aid to Grant. According to Maricopa County Attorney Mitchell, “As one of the officers continued to apply pressure to the victim’s wounds, the victim made a dying declaration identifying Dennis as her attacker.”
Grant was rushed to the hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.
Dennis’ Confession and Motive
Shortly after the murder, Dennis called 911 and admitted to stabbing his wife, telling officers where they could find the murder weapon. He explained that he and Grant had recently married and were discussing an annulment at the time of the incident.
Dennis’ actions shocked those close to the victim, with Mitchell emphasizing the betrayal of a crime committed within a relationship that should have been built on trust. “This wasn’t just a violent crime — it was an act of betrayal carried out by someone who should have been a source of safety, not fear,” she said.
The Impact on Grant’s Family
As Stephen Dennis begins his 18-year sentence at the Arizona Department of Corrections, the family of Aliccia Grant is left to grieve her untimely death. A GoFundMe was set up to help cover funeral costs and support Grant’s two children, aged 10 and 16. In the GoFundMe statement, her family described Aliccia as “a loving daughter, sister, cousin, and friend, but most of all as a wonderful mom to her two beloved kids.”
“Although Aliccia was taken from us far too soon, her endlessly hopeful energy left a permanent mark of inspiration on all of us who knew and loved her,” the family wrote.
Domestic Violence Awareness
The case highlights the dangers of domestic violence, and Mitchell reiterated the importance of holding violent offenders accountable. “There is something especially cruel about a murder that takes place within a relationship that’s intended to be built on trust,” she said.
Anyone experiencing domestic violence is encouraged to reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or visit thehotline.org. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages and offers confidential, toll-free support.
