Man who brutally assaulted pregnant ex-wife in Surprise sentenced to 21 years in prison

PHOENIX — A man who brutally assaulted his pregnant ex-wife in front of her children in the West Valley last year was sentenced Tuesday to 21 years in prison, authorities said.

Garrett Headrick, 27, previously pleaded guilty to three felonies related to the October 2024 domestic violence incident in Surprise, according to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office. Six charges were dismissed as part of the plea deal.

Authorities said Headrick drove from California and waited outside his ex-wife’s home in the area of Greenway and Dysart roads.

When she came out with her three children to go to a soccer game, Headrick forced them back inside, prosecutors said.

Officers responded to the scene after a neighbor reported seeing a man dragging a woman by her hair into a home.

After knocking on the front door, officers heard a woman screaming for help from inside. They forced their way in and found Headrick sitting on top of his victim and assaulting her.

He held her down with his hands around her throat while slamming her head into the ground, prosecutors said.

Officers were able to stop the attack and take Headrick into custody. Multiple knives were found on the floor near the suspect, police said.

What happened after brutal assault in Surprise?

The victim was taken to a hospital, where she was treated for multiple cuts and a brain bleed on the back of her head.

Headrick pleaded guilty to attempted second-degree murder, kidnapping and stalking in September. He received sentences of 10.5 years each for the first two charges and probation for the stalking offense.

“Domestic violence is about power and control, and it leaves lasting scars on victims and families,” County Attorney Mitchell said in a press release. “This case is a reminder that abusers will go to extreme lengths to intimidate and harm. 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.”

Related

California man identified as suspect in Surprise domestic violence incidentCalifornia man indicted for allegedly trying to kill ex-wife in Surprise in front of childrenLive updates for Arizona’s 2026 midterm primaries: Latest voter numbersElection changes could lead to quicker results in Maricopa County, Adrian Fontes says3 defendants sentenced to years in prison in Arizona meth trafficking caseMain roadway between Maricopa and metro Phoenix reopens after fatal incident