Federal Judge Weighs Conditional Release for Juliza Aguilar
A judge will decide within 14 days whether a woman found not guilty by reason of insanity will be released from custody.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Law Enforcement
A federal judge is considering the conditional release of Juliza Aguilar following a hearing in Fort Worth. Aguilar was ruled not guilty by reason of insanity in April for an incident that left an officer with life-altering injuries.
Why it matters
The decision follows recent mental health evaluations that indicated Aguilar has reached a state suitable for release with conditions. The case has drawn significant attention due to the severity of the incident and the ongoing opposition from law enforcement groups.
Aguilar remains in custody following two years of detention after being ruled not guilty by reason of insanity. A federal district judge is expected to issue a final ruling on her potential release within the next 14 days.
The players
Juliza Aguilar
She was an employee at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing who was later found not guilty by reason of insanity.
Joe Lock
He is a 35-year veteran police officer who suffered a leg amputation during the July 2024 collision.
Texas Fraternal Order of Police
This organization formally represents law enforcement officers and has officially opposed the release of Aguilar.
The details
Aguilar, who worked at the Fort Worth Bureau of Engraving and Printing, was charged with attempted murder and assault of a peace officer after pulling a fire alarm and hitting Officer Joe Lock with her vehicle. The collision resulted in the amputation of Officer Lock's leg after he was run over, dragged, and pinned by the vehicle.
Timeline
July 2024: Incident occurred at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing.
April 2026: Aguilar was ruled not guilty by reason of insanity.
October 2026: Release condition hearing held in Fort Worth.
November 2026: Federal judge to make final release decision within 14 days.
Late 2026: Officer Joe Lock is expected to retire.
Legal Context
This hearing operates under established federal protocols for the conditional release of individuals previously found not guilty by reason of insanity. Such cases are evaluated against strict clinical milestones to determine if the defendant still poses a threat to public safety.
The potential release has sparked concern among local law enforcement, with the Texas Fraternal Order of Police formally voicing opposition to the decision. Residents and local business owners should remain aware of the ongoing judicial process as the city prepares for the judge's impending final ruling.
The takeaway
The court must balance the findings of mental health professionals against the strong objections raised by the victim and the police community. This case highlights the complex intersection of mental health evaluations and the judicial process for individuals previously acquitted due to insanity.
Further reading
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