Harris County Judge Frank Aguilar, who served on the 228th District Court, has died following a car crash on Houston's South Side, according to local sources. The Houston Chronicle reports that Aguilar's death was confirmed by county officials and announced in an email by Judge Latosha Lewis Payne of the 55th District Court. Payne referred to the judge's passing as unexpected and called for prayers for Aguilar's family.
Judge Aguilar was elected to the Harris County bench in 2018 and his term was not set to finish until 2026. The impact of his death is extended beyond personal loss to the interruption it causes in the realm of judicial appointments. Gov. Greg Abbott now has the responsibility to appoint a successor to preside over the court until the next election. The Houston Chronicle noted that Aguilar had been suspended earlier this year after an arrest on an assault charge, which was later dismissed.
The incident took place off Holly Hall around 4:30 p.m., as Judge Aguilar was making his way back from a Texans game. ABC13 detailed that the judge's car struck a pole, leading to his fatal injury, and also reported that a passenger in the car was injured during the event.
The police have confirmed the occurrence of the crash but had not immediately identified the victim. Aguilar is remembered not only for his recent service but also for presiding over significant cases, including that of former Houston police officer Gerald Goines.
