SURPRISE, AZ (AZFamily) — A California man who traveled to the West Valley and brutally assaulted his pregnant ex-wife in front of her three children has been sentenced to more than two decades behind bars.
According to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, Garett Headrick, 27, was sentenced to 21 years for attempting to murder his former spouse in Surprise one year ago.
On Oct. 19, 2024, police said that they were called out to the ex-wife’s home after a 911 caller reported seeing Headrick grab the woman by the hair and drag her into a house. Prosecutors said that the woman and her kids were leaving for a soccer game when he approached them with a metal bar and forced them back inside.
At that point, police said he beat her in front of the children and then restrained her while threatening to kill her. Authorities said he eventually dragged her into the kitchen and armed himself with a knife while strangling her.
Surprise police say 26-year-old Garrett Headrick is being held on 13 felony counts following a domestic violence incident over the weekend.(Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office)
Police showed up moments later and found Headrick with his hands around the woman’s throat and slamming her into the ground. Officers said they were forced to fire non-lethal rounds to stop the attack.
Prosecutors said the woman suffered several cuts to her hands and was found with scratch and cut marks around her neck. She also suffered a brain bleed to the back of her head.
Last October, a grand jury indicted Headrick on attempted second-degree murder, kidnapping, aggravated assault, and disorderly conduct. At that time, prosecutors described the violent assault as an “ambush.”
“Domestic violence is about power and control, and it leaves lasting scars on victims and families. This case is a reminder that abusers will go to extreme lengths to intimidate and harm,” said County Attorney Mitchell. “My office, we will continue to stand with survivors, hold offenders fully accountable, and work every day to break the cycle of violence in our community.”
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