Topline
Maryland police identified a 49-year-old man on Friday as the suspect in the fatal shooting of Circuit Court Judge Andrew Wilkinson, whom police said was likely “targeted” on Thursday after Wilkinson presided over a divorce case involving the suspect.
Washington County Sheriff Brian Albert said Friday that police are “actively working” to apprehend … [+]
Key Facts
Washington County (Md.) Sheriff Brian Albert said Friday that police are “actively working” to apprehend Pedro Argote, who is considered “armed and dangerous.”
Wilkinson presided over a divorce proceeding involving Argote earlier on Thursday, in which Wilkinson ruled Argote—who was not present for the hearing—could not visit or contact his children or the children’s mother, according to court records.
Albert said Wilkinson was likely killed in a “targeted attack” in response to custody being granted to the mother of Argote’s children.
Other court records indicate domestic violence charges filed against Argote in June 2022 were dismissed less than two weeks later.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office said Argote is 5-foot-7 with black hair, brown eyes and weighs about 130 pounds and may be seen driving a silver 2009 Mercedes GL450.
Crucial Quote
The Maryland Judiciary said Friday morning that it “mourns the tragic death of Judge Andrew Wilkinson,” adding it was “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.”
Key Background
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office said Wilkinson, 52, was found in his driveway at his Hagerstown, Maryland, home shortly after 8 p.m. on Thursday. Deputies said Wilkinson was suffering from what appeared to be multiple gunshot wounds. Wilkinson later died from his injuries after he was taken to the nearby Meritus Medical Center. Wilkinson, who was born in Agana, Guam, joined the Washington County Circuit Court as an associate judge in January 2020, according to his profile on the court’s website. Wilkinson earned his bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, before later earning his law degree from the Emory University School of Law in 1997.
Further Reading
Maryland Police Investigate Killing Of Circuit Court Judge (Forbes)