Court to Hear New Trial Request for Julio Diaz
A McAllen court will review a new trial motion for a man convicted in a 2023 murder case.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Financial Crime
On November 9, 2026, a McAllen court will convene to hear a request for a new trial for Julio Diaz. Diaz was previously sentenced to life for killing Robert Wise and 50 years for arson.
Why it matters
The defense is basing its request for a new trial on a forensic neuropsychologist's recent evaluation that argues Diaz was legally insane at the time of his crimes. The upcoming hearing will determine if this new testimony warrants a reversal of his prior convictions.
Julio Diaz is currently serving a life sentence for the 2023 killing of Robert Wise and a 50-year sentence for arson at two Masonic lodges. A court-appointed forensic neuropsychologist conducted eight separate examinations to evaluate his sanity.
The players
Julio Diaz
He is a convicted defendant currently serving life in prison following a 2023 conviction for killing Robert Wise.
Dr. John Matthew Fabian
He is a forensic neuropsychologist who conducted eight clinical examinations of the defendant to assess his mental health status.
The details
Dr. John Matthew Fabian, who conducted eight examinations of the defendant, documented a history of schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. While the expert concluded Diaz is competent to stand trial, he also noted instances of symptom exaggeration and delusions regarding Freemasons and the Illuminati.
Timeline
The crimes involving the killing of Robert Wise occurred in 2023.
Dr. Fabian examined the defendant eight times between November 2025 and August 2026.
The court hearing to discuss the new trial request is scheduled for November 9, 2026.
Legal Context
This hearing follows the well-established legal framework of the M'Naghten rules for criminal insanity. The court must evaluate whether the expert's findings represent a departure from the initial conviction that meets the threshold for a new trial.
The proceedings may result in changes to the judicial schedule for the local court system in McAllen. Residents should anticipate potential administrative updates regarding court operations as the judge reviews the motion for a new trial.
The takeaway
Legal experts emphasize that establishing legal insanity requires proving a specific state of mind at the precise time of the offense. Defendants seeking to overturn convictions through neuropsychological findings face a high evidentiary bar in court.
Further reading
Learn more about local legal proceedings in the McAllen Financial Crime section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KRGV.
