The incident took place on Thursday, prompting a manhunt for the suspect by Maryland police.

The victim, Washington County Circuit Court Associate Judge Andrew Wilkinson, was shot outside his residence in Hagerstown and later succumbed to his injuries in a hospital. The local sheriff's office has identified the suspect as 49-year-old Pedro Argote, who is considered armed and dangerous.

Authorities believe that Mr. Argote targeted Judge Wilkinson due to an ongoing custody battle. The judge had been presiding over a divorce case involving Mr. Argote, and on the morning of the incident, he held a hearing related to the custody matter.

According to Maryland court records, Mr. Argote did not attend the hearing, during which Judge Wilkinson granted custody of the suspect's children to their mother. Later, deputies responded to reports of a shooting at Judge Wilkinson's residence and found him bleeding from gunshot wounds in his driveway. His wife and son were present at home during the attack.

Judge Andrew Wilkinson became a judge in 2020 after a successful career as a lawyer spanning over two decades. Described as active in his church and someone who coached youth sports, his untimely death has left a deep void within the local community.

As a precautionary measure, law enforcement agencies have deployed officers to the homes of other judges in the area to provide security throughout the night. However, the sheriff's office expressed the belief that Judge Wilkinson was the intended target.

While Pedro Argote does not have a criminal record, law enforcement had previously visited his home over domestic disputes, according to officials. The investigation into Judge Wilkinson's murder is still ongoing, with authorities urging anyone with information on the suspect to come forward.

The loss of Judge Andrew Wilkinson has sent shockwaves throughout Maryland, as the community mourns the loss of a respected jurist. The tragedy serves as a grim reminder of the dangers faced by those in the legal profession and highlights the need for increased security measures to protect judges and judicial personnel.

Authorities continue to work diligently to apprehend the suspect, Pedro Argote, and bring him to justice. Meanwhile, friends, colleagues, and members of the community are left grappling with the devastating loss of a dedicated public servant whose presence will be sorely missed.