Robert Wise, 55, was fatally shot outside McAllen Masonic Lodge No. 1110 in downtown McAllen on the night of July 10, 2023. Wise, a longtime truck driver, instructor and owner of Wise CDL who had spent most of his life in Mission, Texas, had just been installed as a junior deacon and was preparing to leave the lodge when he was attacked. Responding officers arrived after callers reported a loud popping sound and a person moaning; Wise was found bleeding from gunshot wounds, transported to a hospital at about 9:55 p.m., and later died of his injuries. Evidence and testimony indicated he was shot multiple times in the face as he was getting into his vehicle.

Investigators identified Julio Diaz of Alamo as a suspect; an arrest warrant charging him with first-degree felony murder was issued and he was taken into custody on July 11, 2023. Prosecutors say surveillance footage showed a man circling the lodge before approaching Wise, that Diaz arrived in a black Chevrolet Blazer, and that digital evidence from phones and social media linked him to the killing.

Wise’s wife, Josefina Sanchez-Wise, testified about his final goodbye before the installation ceremony and learning later that he had been shot. The investigation produced surveillance, cellphone and fire-investigation evidence; the cause of death is homicide by gunshot.