Convicted Murderer Flees Orange County College After Cutting GPS Ankle Monitor

Jose Angel Aguilar, 22, was found and arrested after going missing from his court-approved academic furlough program.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 7:12pm

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A 22-year-old man convicted of murder in 2021 cut off his GPS ankle monitor and fled from classes he was taking at an Orange County community college while on a court-approved academic furlough. Authorities later found and arrested Aguilar at a motel.

Why it matters

The incident has raised concerns about the educational furlough program that allowed Aguilar, a convicted murderer, to attend college classes unsupervised. Some local officials are now exploring whether the program should be reviewed or potentially eliminated due to the public safety risks.

The details

On March 10, 2026, Jose Angel Aguilar, who was serving time in an Orange County juvenile facility for a 2021 murder, cut off his GPS ankle monitor and absconded while attending classes at Santiago Canyon College. Aguilar had been granted a court-approved furlough in February that allowed him to leave custody weekly to attend college courses. However, probation officials had requested the court to revoke the furlough arrangement several days prior due to potential violations. Aguilar was found and arrested around 11 p.m. on March 13 at a motel in Anaheim.

  • On March 10, 2026, Aguilar cut off his GPS device and fled from classes at Santiago Canyon College.
  • On March 13, 2026, Aguilar was found and arrested around 11 p.m. at a motel in Anaheim.

The players

Jose Angel Aguilar

A 22-year-old man convicted of murder in 2021 who was serving time in an Orange County juvenile facility.

Orange County Probation Department

The department that had requested the court to revoke Aguilar's educational furlough arrangement several days prior to his escape.

Orange County Supervisor Don Wagner

A local official who expressed concerns about the educational furlough program that allowed Aguilar to attend college classes unsupervised.

Santiago Canyon College

The Orange County community college where Aguilar was taking classes as part of his court-approved furlough.

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What they’re saying

“We had no say. It's state law and the decisions come from the court.”

— Don Wagner, Orange County Supervisor (latimes.com)

“I hope they rethink the program. I don't like the risk it puts my community at.”

— Don Wagner, Orange County Supervisor (latimes.com)

What’s next

The Orange County District Attorney's office is reviewing the educational furlough program that allowed Aguilar to attend college classes unsupervised, and local officials are exploring whether legislation could be used to update or potentially eliminate the program.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the potential public safety risks of educational furlough programs that grant unsupervised access to convicted criminals. It has prompted local officials to re-evaluate the program and consider legislative changes to address these concerns and better protect the community.