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.
This isn’t the first tragedy of its kind for Hagerstown
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.
After Wilkinson’s fatal shooting, he wrote, “Our community has suffered an unimaginable tragedy. We have lost a dedicated public servant and champion for Washington County.”
“We send our deepest and most sincere condolences to the family of Judge Andrew Wilkinson. We are praying over the judicial and law enforcement community during this most difficult time,” he said.
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.
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.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore on Judge Wilkinson’s death
I am shocked, heartbroken, and sickened by the killing of Judge Andrew Wilkinson. He was the victim of a cold-blooded, vicious, and targeted attack. My heart goes out to Judge Wilkinson’s family, and my prayers are with everyone who knew him, loved him, and served alongside him.
My team has been in close contact with the judiciary and with leadership in Hagerstown and Washington County, including local law enforcement and elected officials. Maryland State Police troopers were dispatched to protect other judges, and I am receiving consistent updates from Superintendent of State Police Roland Butler.
The State of Maryland is supporting law enforcement in their investigation and local, state, and federal partners are actively engaged in the search for the suspect. Anyone with knowledge that could aid in the investigation is encouraged to contact authorities immediately.
Judge Wilkinson spent his career in defense of justice. We must now ensure that the perpetrator of this vile act faces justice and Judge Wilkinson’s family gets the support they need and deserve.
ICYMI: 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
A Thursday morning message from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office
There will be an increased police presence in the Williamsport area today. There is NO safety concern. Additional evidentiary searches are being conducted.
Pedro Argote found: AP
Authorities have found the body of the suspect accused of killing a Maryland judge who presided over his divorce case.
Argote’s body discovered one mile from where his car was found last week
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.
More updates to be provided this evening
A press conference will be held at 3pm EDT, NBC reports.
Authorities had been hunting for Argote after the judge’s body was found on the driveway of his home on 19 October.
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.
Pedro Argote’s wife wrote about turbulent relationship in court filing
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.
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