Surprise, AZ – A 27-year-old California man has been sentenced to 21 years in prison for a brutal attack on his pregnant ex-wife in Arizona, during which he dragged her by the hair, beat her, and tried to kill her in front of their three young children. The violent ambush took place last year outside the victim’s home as she was preparing to take her children to a soccer game.
The Incident: A Vicious Attack in Front of Children
According to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, Garrett Scott Headrick, 27, drove from California to Surprise, Arizona, on October 19, 2024, with the intent to confront his ex-wife. Prosecutors said that when she and her children were leaving the house to attend a soccer game, Headrick ambushed them with a metal bar, forcing them back inside the home.
“As the victim and her three children were leaving for a soccer game, Headrick approached them with a metal bar, forced them back inside, and physically assaulted the victim in front of the children,” prosecutors said in a statement.
Once inside, Headrick reportedly struck, strangled, and restrained the victim, threatening to kill her while her terrified children watched. He allegedly dragged her by the hair into the kitchen, grabbed a knife, and continued his assault, slamming her head into the floor as he choked her.
Investigation and Police Response
Police responded to a 911 call from the home and arrived to find a horrifying scene. Officers said they found Headrick on top of the victim, with his hands around her throat, slamming her head into the ground.
Law enforcement officers used nonlethal rounds to subdue the suspect and prevent further harm. Headrick was immediately taken into custody.
The victim, who has not been publicly identified, was rushed to a nearby hospital where she was treated for serious injuries, including significant cuts to her hands, marks around her neck, and a brain bleed at the back of her head.
Authorities described the event as an “ambush,” emphasizing the premeditated nature of the attack and the extreme risk to the victim’s life and her unborn child.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Warren J. Granville sentenced Headrick to 21 years in state prison on Wednesday, following a plea deal reached with prosecutors. Headrick pleaded guilty to attempted second-degree murder, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and stalking resulting in a reasonable fear of death.
As part of the plea agreement, six additional charges were dismissed. Despite the reduction, prosecutors said the sentence ensures accountability for a “deliberate and violent act of domestic abuse.”
“Domestic violence is about power and control, and it leaves lasting scars on victims and families,” said Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell. “This case is a reminder that abusers will go to extreme lengths to intimidate and harm. My office will continue to stand with survivors and hold offenders fully accountable.”
Headrick’s conviction ensures he will remain incarcerated for more than two decades, with credit for time served to be determined by the court.
Background and Domestic Violence Context
According to court records, Headrick’s attack occurred after a history of domestic tension and prior protective orders filed by the victim. Authorities said the case highlights the dangers of intimate partner violence, which often escalates over time and can endanger not only the primary victim but also children in the household.
Arizona law categorizes attempted second-degree murder and aggravated assault as Class 2 and Class 3 felonies, respectively, carrying potential sentences of decades in prison depending on aggravating circumstances such as pregnancy and the presence of minors.
Domestic violence experts say the case underscores the importance of early intervention, community awareness, and survivor protection.
“This attack serves as a wake-up call,” one advocate said. “Victims often minimize threats or past violence until it’s too late. Systems must do more to prevent repeat offenses.”
Ongoing Impact and Recovery
The victim continues to recover physically and emotionally, with support from family and victim services advocates. She is reportedly focusing on her children’s healing and safety while cooperating with prosecutors to ensure long-term protection.
Authorities commended responding officers for their quick actions, which likely saved the victim’s life.
Headrick will serve his sentence in an Arizona state correctional facility, and upon release, he will be subject to probation and domestic violence restrictions.
Conclusion
The 21-year prison sentence for Garrett Scott Headrick brings closure to a violent domestic case that nearly ended in tragedy. Officials say the ruling sends a clear message: acts of domestic violence will be met with severe consequences in Maricopa County.
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