Updates and Background on the Case
On Thursday, October 19,2023, a judge was found dead after receiving a fatal gunshot wound. Andrew Wilkinson, 52, was found unconscious in the driveway outside his home in Hagerstown, Northern Maryland. Authorities said the shooting happened while his wife and son were inside their home. Additionally, Wilkinson was found around 8 p.m. and rushed to Meritus Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead.
Authorities now say they have located the vehicle of the suspect who shot and killed Wilkinson. The suspect and the owner of the vehicle is Pedro Argote. His silver Mercedes was located near the Williamsport, Maryland area. This was about eight miles away from where Judge Wilkinson was found in his driveway.
Despite the previous information, they have not yet located Argote, according to Maryland authorities. In fact, the sheriff’s office addressed the matter this past Sunday mentioning that after a thorough search of the wooded area where the suspect’s vehicle was located. “There is no further information to suggest that Argote remains in the immediate area,” authorities stated. Additionally they asked “people to be vigilant” and on the lookout for this suspect. He is described as a 49-year-old man, 130 pounds, 5 feet 7 inches tall, with black hair and brown eyes.
What led to the Attack
Officials say the reason behind the attack is due to the fact that Wilkinson adjudicated on a divorce earlier in day. A decision involving the suspect, however, Argote was not in attendance. During the trial, Wilkinson awarded full child custody to Eugenia Argote, whom Pedro was in the process of divorcing.
For this reason, the attack against Judge Wilkinson has been described by the Washington County Sheriff Brian Albert as “a targeted attack” and mentioned that Argote should be consider “armed and dangerous.”
Moreover, additional information against Pedro Argote indicates that prior to this attack there was no type of criminal records against him in the Washington County. However, authorities did mention being called to his address for “verbal domestic assaults.” In fact, Maryland officers were responded to the address twice within the last several years. Further than this there was no previous indication in Argote’s record that an event like this could take place.
The Aftermath
Now the U.S. Marshals service has joined the case and is searching for Argote. They are offering a $10,000 reward for any additional information that could lead to his arrest. A search warrant for the suspects vehicle has also been requested by officials. This is needed in order to have access to the vehicle and its contents. “We want to make sure we have an iron-clad case against him when we bring him to justice,” Albert said at a news conference on Sunday.
In addition, this unexpectedly terrible case has greatly affected the judicial system, especially placing a burden on many judges. At this time the death of Judge Wilkinson has brought an increased of security on numerous magistrates throughout the county. The Maryland State Police mentioned the increased security was, “Out of precautionary reasons, last night troopers were deployed to protect judges residing in Washington County.” The court where Wilkinson worked at has specially increased their level of security. All the judges and court personals are receiving increased security.
The passing of Judge Wilkinson has brought indescribable pain to many people, especially those close to him and his family. Andrew Wilkinson was a kind, caring, and compassionate man, who will forever be truly missed. Prayers and condolences are sent to the family as they navigate through this hard journey.
Written By Nohemi Sanchez
Sources:
FOX NEWS: Suspect vehicle in Maryland judge’s killing found while alleged shooter still on the run
Fox 5 WASHINGTON DC: Abandoned vehicle found as manhunt continues for suspected gunman in Hagerstown judge’s fatal shooting
CNN US: Maryland police find vehicle linked to suspect in fatal shooting of judge
Featured Image Courtesy of Jernej Furman Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy of Marco Verch Professional Photographer Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
