Maryland circuit court judge gunned down in driveway; search underway for known suspect

HAGERSTOWN, Md. – Maryland Circuit Court Judge Andrew Wilkinson was gunned down Thursday evening outside his home. He was pronounced dead a short time later at a nearby hospital. Investigators are searching for a man connected to the homicide, according to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.

Judge Wilkinson, 52, was found shot multiple times in the driveway of his residence in Hagerstown, Maryland, Thursday evening, according to the Associated Press.

Deputies first responded to a shooting at a home in the 19100 block of Olde Waterford Road in the Clear Spring Community at around 8 p.m. Thursday, FOX 5 DC reported.

At the location, Judge Wilkinson was found in the driveway suffering from gunshot wounds. He was rushed to Meritus Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

Deputies are searching for Pedro Argote, 49, in connection to the homicide, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office announced.

The law enforcement agency released Argote’s photo Friday and described him as 5-feet-7-inches-tall, 130 lbs., with black hair and brown eyes. They believe he may be driving a silver 2009 Mercedes GL450, with Maryland plates 4EH0408, FOX 5 reported.

Washington County Sheriffs Office released this photo of Pedro Argote, 49, who is wanted in connection with the killing Judge Andrew F. Wilkinson. Authorities say he may be driving a silver 2009 Mercedes GL450, with Maryland plates 4EH0408. 

Authorities did not release further information citing the nature of the ongoing investigation, reported Fox News Digital.

“This continues to be an active investigation; due to the ongoing investigation, certain details will not be released,” the sheriff’s office said.

Court records indicate that Judge Wilkinson oversaw Argote’s divorce proceedings, the New York Post reported.

In a follow-up story while the manhunt was still underway, authorities said there was a hearing earlier on Thursday, during which Wilkinson awarded child custody to a woman in Argote’s divorce, reported Fox News.

Argote was not present for that proceeding, officials said.

“This was a targeted attack on Judge Wilkinson,” Washington County Sheriff Brian K. Albert said during a Friday morning press conference, adding that Argote has not been apprehended yet, and he is considered armed and dangerous. The suspect legally owns a firearm.

Law enforcement personnel have been to Argote’s residence for “verbal domestic assaults” twice within the last two years, but he does not have a prior criminal record in Washington County, Albert said.

Anyone with information regarding Argote’s whereabouts is asked to call authorities at 240-313-2100.

Source: www.lawofficer.com