Suspect in Maryland judge killing found dead after weeklong manhunt: Updates

Judge Andrew Wilkinson made a key ruling in suspect Pedro Argote’s divorce hearing just hours before he was shot dead in his driveway in Hagerstown, Maryland

Maryland Judge Fatally Shot Outside Home

Authorities in Maryland have found the body of a man suspected of killing a judge who revoked custody of his children.

Judge Andrew Wilkinson was found dead from gunshot wounds in the driveway of his home in Hagerstown, Maryland, on 19 October.

Law enforcement including US Marshals launched a massive manhunt for 49-year-old Pedro Argote after accusing him of targeting the judge in anger over a court ruling. The Marshals had offered a reward of $10,000 for any information that led to his arrest.

Officials announced on Thursday that Argote had been found deceased during a search in a heavily wooded area in Williamsport, just a mile from the place where his car was found last week.

A cause of death has not been provided.

Hours before Argote is believed to have shot Wilkinson, the judge granted custody of Mr Argote’s four children to his ex-wife, Eugeina Argote, in a divorce hearing after hearing “shocking” testimony from his adult daughter from a separate relationship.

Court records show he has a history of verbal domestic assaults against his wife and family.

Key points

• Manhunt under way for suspect
• Pedro Argote could be headed for New York
• Judge Andrew Wilkinson presided over Pedro Argote’s divorce hearing
• Judge shot dead in driveway of Maryland home
• US Marshals Service is offering a $10,000 reward for leads into Mr Argote’s whereabouts

[23 October 2023 17:20 · Kelly Rissman]

A message from the US Marshals Service

[23 October 2023 17:40 · Kelly Rissman]

Statement from the Maryland Judiciary on Judge Wilkinson

The Maryland Judiciary said it is mourning Wilkinson’s “tragic death.”

“As we grieve his loss, we ask that you keep the Wilkinson family in your prayers and please respect their privacy,” the system said in a statement Friday.

“The Maryland Judiciary is actively engaging with law enforcement to assist in resolving this matter and to ensure the safety of our judges, staff, and visitors, which remains our top priority.”

[23 October 2023 18:00 · Kelly Rissman]

Condolences from the governor

[23 October 2023 18:20 · Kelly Rissman]

ICYMI: The fatal shooting of a Maryland judge

Mere hours after Judge Andrew Wilkinson presided over a divorce hearing, which granted Eugenia Argote full custody of her four children, the judge was found in his driveway in Hagerstown, Maryland with gunshot wounds.

Ms Argote’s ex-husband, Pedro Argote, 49, is considered a person of interest in the case. Mr Argote was not present in the courtroom when Wilkinson gave his wife custody of their children.

A manhunt for him is underway.

Read the full story...

[23 October 2023 18:40 · Kelly Rissman]

A message from the US Marshals Service

Law enforcement officials believe Argote is possibly operating a silver 2009 Mercedes GL 450 bearing Maryland registration 4EH0408.

Argote has ties to multiple locations beyond the state of Maryland to include Brooklyn and Long Island, New York; Tampa and Clearwater, Florida; Columbus, Indiana; and unknown cities in North Carolina.

The U.S. Marshals Service is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information that leads to Argote’s arrest. Argote should be considered armed and dangerous. Anyone with information is urged to contact the U.S. Marshals at 1-877-WANTED2 or submit tips via the USMS Tips App.

[23 October 2023 19:00 · Kelly Rissman]

The aftermath of the tragedy

After Andrew Wilkinson, the judge who presided over the Argotes’ divorce hearing, was fatally shot, “troopers were deployed to protect judges residing in Washington County,” Maryland State Police said on Friday.

The court where Wilkinson worked now has a “high-level” of security, Circuit Court Administrative Judge Brett Wilson explained.

[23 October 2023 19:20 · Kelly Rissman]

A $10,000 reward for info on the suspect at large

The US Marshals Service is offering $10,000 to anyone with information leading to Pedro Argote’s arrest after the fatal shooting of Judge Andrew Wilkinson.

Police said the suspect might head out of state, as he has connections to New York — in the Brooklyn and Long Island area — and Florida — in Tampa and Clearwater— as well as Indiana and North Carolina.

“We’re going to catch this guy. It’s just a matter of time,” Sheriff Brian Albert said at a press conference.

[23 October 2023 19:40 · Kelly Rissman]

The timeline

19 October:

• Judge Wilkinson granted custody of Pedro Argote’s four children to his ex-wife, Eugeina Argote, in a divorce hearing
• Hours later, Mr Argote is accused of shooting Judge Wilkinson

20 October:

• Washington County Sheriff Brian Albert said in a press conference that the attack on the judge was “targeted” and accused Mr Argote of retaliating because of the ruling
• A homicide investigation was launched

22 October:

• Police conclude search of Williamsport, Maryland area and offer a reward of up to $10,000 for information on Mr Argote

23 October:

• The US Marshals Service says the suspect could be headed out of the state to a place where he has connections, like New York, Florida, Indiana, or North Carolina
• The manhunt continues

[23 October 2023 20:30 · Kelly Rissman]

Who was Judge Wilkinson?

Wilkinson was born in Agana, Guam in 1971. His family moved around a lot during his childhood as part of the military, but settled in Hagerstown when his mother was hired as a law clerk for Judge Frederick Wright III in 1983.

He received a bachelor’s degree in economics at the University of North Carolina before earning his law degree from the Emory University School of Law in 1997.

Wilkinson became a circuit law clerk in Washington County before being sworn in as an associate judge for the County Circuit Court in 2020.

At his swearing-in, Wilkinson said he wanted to become a judge to serve the community, The Herald-Mail reported.

“It’s an honour and it’s humbling, and I’m happy to serve,” he said, thanking the now-retired judge, Mr Wright, for guiding his career.

[23 October 2023 21:00 · Kelly Rissman]

What we know about Pedro Argote

• He is allegedly 5 foot 7 inches tall, 130 lbs, with black hair and brown eyes.
• Police believe he could be driving a silver 2009 Mercedes GL450, with the Maryland registration plate of 4EH0408.
• Officials described him as “armed and dangerous”.
• The suspect had a history of controlling and cruel behaviour towards his ex-wife, according to court documents.
• The couple also had a long history of domestic incidents and in 2012, his ex-wife claimed, adding that she had tried to get help from a domestic violence advocacy center.
• He is still at large, as of Monday afternoon.