In a tragic turn of events, Maryland Circuit Court Judge Andrew Wilkinson was shot and killed outside his home on Thursday evening. The investigation has revealed that Judge Wilkinson had presided over the divorce case of the man believed to be responsible for the shooting. The suspect, identified as 49-year-old Pedro Argote, remains at large, and law enforcement agencies are intensifying their efforts to locate him.

According to court records, Judge Wilkinson had granted custody of Argote's children to his wife during the divorce hearing earlier on the same day. This decision is believed to be the motive behind the targeted attack. Washington County Sheriff Brian Albert expressed his belief that Argote harbored resentment towards the judge for his ruling.

The shooting occurred around 8 p.m. in Judge Wilkinson's driveway, with his wife and son inside the house at the time. The sheriff's office reported that the judge suffered multiple gunshot wounds and was immediately rushed to Meritus Medical Center. Tragically, he succumbed to his injuries, leading to an outpouring of grief and shock within the community.

Law enforcement agencies have identified Pedro Argote as the prime suspect in the case. The Washington County Sheriff's Office described him as a 5-foot-7, 130-pound individual with black hair and brown eyes. Argote may be driving a silver 2009 Mercedes GL450 with Maryland license plates 4EH0408. Authorities have cautioned that Argote should be considered armed and dangerous, emphasizing that he legally owns a handgun.

Court records reveal that Judge Wilkinson had presided over the divorce proceeding between Argote and his wife earlier that day. It was noted that Argote did not attend the hearing, but his absence did not prevent the judge from making a custody decision in favor of Argote's wife. The divorce case was initiated by Argote as the plaintiff in June 2022.

The sheriff's office shared that they had responded to the couple's home on two occasions in the past few years regarding verbal domestic assaults. However, the nature of these incidents and any connection to the current tragedy remains unclear.

The Maryland Judiciary expressed deep sorrow over Judge Wilkinson's untimely death and assured their commitment to collaborate with law enforcement to resolve the matter swiftly. In the meantime, state troopers have been deployed as a precautionary measure to protect judges residing in Washington County.

Judge Wilkinson, who was sworn in as a circuit court judge in 2020, was a well-respected individual within the legal community. Colleagues and friends lauded his dedication and described him as an exceptional man, father, husband, and judge. The attorney representing the children in the divorce case praised Judge Wilkinson, recognizing his professionalism and calling him a hero.

As the search for Pedro Argote continues, the community is on edge. The authorities have stated that at this time, they do not perceive a threat to other judges in the county or state. The city of Hagerstown, where the shooting took place, is a close-knit community of nearly 44,000 residents located approximately 75 miles northwest of Baltimore, near the borders of West Virginia and Pennsylvania.

Law enforcement agencies are urging anyone with information about Pedro Argote's whereabouts to come forward and assist in the ongoing investigation. The loss of Judge Wilkinson has sent shockwaves through the community, prompting a renewed focus on the safety and security of those who serve within the legal system.

UPDATE: Pedro Argote Apprehended, Faces Charges in Connection with Murder of Maryland Judge

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