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
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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.
A message from former Maryland Gov Larry Hogan
I am deeply saddened by the senseless killing of Judge Andrew Wilkinson. Our hearts go out to his family, loved ones, and the Hagerstown community. This act of horrific violence not only takes away a respected community figure but also shakes the foundation of our justice system. We must stand together, seek justice, and ensure the safety of our judges and all public servants. We mourn the loss of Judge Wilkinson, a dedicated public servant, and an exemplary member of our community.
What we know about the Argotes’ relationship
- Judge Andrew Wilkinson ordered Pedro Argote on Thursday to pay monthly child support and barred him from having any contact with his children
- They share four children, aged 3, 5, 11 and 12
- Eugenia Argote was granted a temporary restraining order against Mr Argote in 2022 — but it was lifted weeks later for unknown reasons
- Police said they had responded to numerous domestic incidents over the years, but no physical violence was reported
“Armed and dangerous”
US Marshals Service is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for “actionable intelligence” that could lead to the arrest of Mr Argote.
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...
A judge made a key ruling in a couple’s divorce. He was shot dead hours later
Andrew Wilkinson was found dead outside his home on Thursday. A manhunt is now underway for person of interest Pedro Argote, Amelia Neath writes
Where is Mr Argote?
He could be heading out of state, officials say. The US Marshals Service added that he has ties to New York, Indiana, Florida, and North Carolina.
The US Marshals Service is now offering a reward of $10,000 for any information that could lead to the arrest of Mr Argote while Washington County Sheriff’s Office has said it has concluded its search operations around Williamsport.
“No further information indicates that Argote is still in the immediate area,” the sheriff’s office wrote on Facebook.
The sheriff’s office continues to investigate leads and gather information about the shooting, while authorities warn that Mr Argote should be considered armed and dangerous.
‘Armed’ suspect in murder of Maryland judge may be headed for New York
Pedro Argote is wanted in connection to the shooting death of Judge Andrew Wilkinson
A statement from the National Center for State Courts on Judge Wilkinson’s death
“The assassination of Judge Wilkinson should be shocking to all Americans,” said Chief Judge Anna Blackburne-Rigsby, President of the Conference of Chief Justices, and Greg Sattizahn, President of the Conference of State Court Administrators.
“Unfortunately, we fear it is not. The sustained attacks in recent years on the rule of law, public institutions of government and the courts are now having their effects. We ask all Americans to think carefully about this troubling trend because normalizing these attacks will in no way make us better, safer, or more peaceful. If anything, it will only come with more troubling and dire consequences, as Judge Wilkinson’s family can now sadly attest. To his family and our colleagues in the Maryland judiciary, we send our deepest condolences.”
According to data compiled by the National Center for State Courts, this is the third targeted shooting of a state judge in the last three years.
History repeats itself
This is not the first time Hagerstown has seen one of its judges attacked.
On 22 December 1989, a pack of pipe bombs exploded in the third-floor apartment of Judge John Corderman, according to the Herald-Mail archives. The attack, in Hagerstown, left Corderman with shrapnel wounds to his right hand and abdomen and partial hearing loss.
No one was ever charged in the bombing, according to a story by the outlet at the time of Corderman’s death in July 2013.
His son, Paul Corderman, is now Washington and Frederick counties state senator.
Read the full story...
A judge made a key ruling in a couple’s divorce. He was shot dead hours later
Andrew Wilkinson was found dead outside his home on Thursday. A manhunt is now underway for person of interest Pedro Argote, Amelia Neath writes
The divorce petition from Eugenia Argote
USA Today obtained Ms Argote’s 2022 divorce petition, in which she claims that Pedro Argote, her then-husband, was emotionally abusive to her and that she was afraid to be near him.
“I have been trying to get out of this relationship for the longest time, but for the fear that he will try to get custody of the kids,” she wrote.
Her ex-husband had carried his firearm “at all times,” she continued. Mr Argote also didn’t allow her to use their car or have access to their shared finances.
“I can’t get out of the house without his knowledge,” she continued. “I don’t know what to do...Please I need help.”
The court granted her a temporary protective order against Mr Argote.
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
24 October:
- The manhunt continues
Update in the case, from the US Marshals Service:
Law enforcement officials have located a vehicle believed to have been operated by Pedro Manuel Argote, 49, a man suspected of murdering a Maryland Circuit Court Judge.
According to information provided by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, the 2009 Mercedes GL 450 was located Oct. 21 at approximately 11 a.m. The SUV bearing Maryland registration 4EH0408, was found in a wooded area off Bottom Road in Williamsport, Maryland.
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