McAllen, TX (KRGV) — A hearing is set for Nov. 9, on Julio Diaz’s request for a new trial, according to court documents.

The defense argues Diaz should get a new trial because a court appointed forensic neuropsychologist found he was legally insane at the time of the crimes and did not know what he was doing was wrong.

Diaz was sentenced to life in prison for killing McAllen Freemason Robert Wise in 2023 and 50 years for starting fires at two Masonic lodges

Court documents say Dr. John Matthew Fabian examined Diaz about eight times between November 2025 and August 2026. He wrote that Diaz has a documented chronic history of schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder, with auditory and visual hallucinations and persecutory delusions about the Freemasons and Illuminati.

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Dr. Fabian also found Diaz is competent to stand trial and can understand the proceedings and work with his attorneys. Testing also showed some exaggeration of psychiatric symptoms, according to the documents.

The documents say Diaz believed his actions were justified self defense for himself, his mother and the world against the Freemasons and Illuminati. They also say he posted the killing on Instagram to summon police intervention.

The defense had been waiting for the same expert during trial and repeatedly asked for more time to finish the evaluation, but the judge denied those requests.

Dr. Fabian said he is nearing the end of his evaluation, but he still needs to review more discovery, including videos and letters. The documents say he will need more work and funding to finish his assessment on the killing and arson charges.