Stephen Dennis was sentenced to 18 years for the stabbing death of his wife, Aliccia Grant, in a Home Depot parking lot. Discover the details of this tragic case and its impact on the Phoenix community.
On August 18, 2025, Stephen Dennis, 36, was sentenced to 18 years in prison for the second-degree murder of his wife, Aliccia Grant. The tragic incident occurred in the early hours of September 9, 2024, in a Home Depot parking lot located near Cave Creek and Cactus roads in north Phoenix.
A Deadly Night and a Dying Declaration
The fatal attack took place just after midnight, when witnesses heard a woman’s screams for help. Upon arriving at the scene, police discovered 37-year-old Aliccia Grant slumped behind the wheel of her red Prius, bleeding from multiple stab wounds. Her husband, Stephen Dennis, was sitting next to her but fled the scene after a brief altercation with a bystander.
Before succumbing to her injuries, Grant made a dying declaration, naming Dennis as her attacker. Despite attempts to save her, she was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital shortly after being rushed there by emergency responders.
Dennis Confesses to the Crime
Just after the incident, Dennis called 911, admitting to the stabbing and revealing the location of the knife used in the crime. He was soon arrested by Phoenix Police and charged with second-degree murder.
Investigators discovered that the couple, who had recently married, was in the midst of discussing an annulment when the tragic event occurred.
The Impact of a Betrayal Within a Marriage
Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell remarked on the nature of the crime, calling it “an act of betrayal carried out by someone who should have been a source of safety, not fear.”
Grant was known for her successful career as a makeup artist, entrepreneur, and educator. Her work under the name Glamazon Makeup was celebrated in various shoots and fashion campaigns. As an accomplished professional, she was also recognized globally for her expertise and creativity in the beauty industry.
A Community Mourns
The murder sent shockwaves through the Phoenix community, especially for Grant’s family and loved ones. A GoFundMe campaign was launched to help cover funeral expenses and support her children, aged 9 and 15 at the time of her death. The fundraiser raised over $44,000 toward its $50,000 goal, helping the family celebrate Grant’s life and plan for her children’s future.
A Public Tribute Turned Tragic
Months before the murder, Dennis had posted a heartfelt tribute to his wife on social media, celebrating their relationship and the joy he felt in their life together. Sadly, this post stood in stark contrast to the events that followed.
Grant’s tragic death highlights the dangers of domestic violence and the deep emotional toll it leaves on families and communities. In the wake of the murder, the Phoenix community came together to support the Grant family while continuing to demand justice for the life taken too soon.
Additional Related Coverage:
In a separate case, the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) is investigating the deaths of two teenagers, Pandora Kjolsrud and Evan Clark, whose bodies were found in May 2025 in the Tonto National Forest. Both teenagers were students at Arcadia High School, and the MCSO has confirmed that the deaths are being treated as homicides. Investigations into this case are ongoing, and the MCSO is urging anyone with information to come forward.
