On Thursday evening, October 19, in Hagerstown, Maryland, a Circuit Court Judge was found fatally shot in the driveway of his home, prompting a statewide search for an individual linked to the event.
Judge Andrew Wilkinson, 52, had been an integral figure in Washington County’s 4th Judicial Circuit since the beginning of 2020. He also took on responsibilities as an Associate Judge on the Washington County Circuit Court. Before these esteemed roles, Wilkinson served as an assistant county attorney and was actively engaged in several community initiatives.
Following the incident, the focus has turned towards Pedro Argote, a 49-year-old man, as the main suspect. Argote stands at 5’7″, weighs approximately 130 lbs, and is described with black hair and brown eyes. Authorities found his vehicle, a silver 2009 Mercedes GL450 with a Maryland license plate 4EH0408, in a wooded vicinity near Williamsport by Saturday.
Court records indicate a previous interaction between Argote and Judge Wilkinson. Specifically, Wilkinson was the presiding judge for Argote’s divorce case, which commenced in June 2022. On the exact day of the shooting, a judgment was passed that granted exclusive custody of Argote’s four children to his wife and mandated that Argote would not be allowed any form of contact with them.
The motive behind the shooting has not yet been conclusively determined. The unexpected incident has resonated deeply within the community. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office has made a public plea for assistance in tracing Argote. They emphasize that individuals should exercise caution and not attempt to approach him, given his potentially dangerous nature.
State Delegate Neil Parrott shared his astonishment over the event, terming it as “concerning news.” He further commented that law enforcement agencies are actively searching for the individual responsible.
Numerous individuals who had close associations with Judge Wilkinson have conveyed their grief regarding his demise. One attorney, who stood for the children in Argote’s divorce case, spoke highly of Judge Wilkinson, underscoring his exemplary nature in various roles.