Circuit Court Judge Andrew Wilkinson Fatally Shot in Driveway, Alleged Shooter Found Dead
Hagerstown, Maryland – Circuit Court Judge Andrew Wilkinson, 52, was tragically shot and killed in his driveway on October 19, 2023. Authorities have confirmed that Pedro Argote, 49, who was allegedly targeting Judge Wilkinson following their divorce proceedings, has been found dead after a one-week manhunt.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office in Maryland initially reported the incident, stating that Argote shot Judge Wilkinson in Hagerstown. An intense search for Argote ensued, with law enforcement offering a reward of up to $10,000 for any information leading to his arrest.
On Thursday morning, the sheriff’s office discovered Argote’s body in a heavily wooded area approximately one mile away from where his car was previously found. The authorities have not yet revealed the cause of his death.
This tragic event appears to have arisen from the divorce proceedings between Judge Wilkinson and Argote. According to Brian Albert, the Washington County Sheriff, Judge Wilkinson had granted custody to Argote’s ex-wife earlier on the day of the shooting. This decision is believed to be the motive behind the brutal act that unfolded later that night.
Court documents obtained by ABC News shed light on additional orders issued by Judge Wilkinson during the divorce proceedings. Alongside custody arrangements, Judge Wilkinson had also instructed Argote to pay child support, forbidden him from initiating contact with his children or wife unless initiated by her, and awarded sole possession of the family home to his wife.
The news of Judge Wilkinson’s untimely death has sent shockwaves through the legal community. Colleagues, friends, and family members of the esteemed judge mourn his loss and remember his dedication to justice during his time on the bench.
In response to this heartbreaking incident, the Washington County Bar Association has expressed deep condolences to the Wilkinson family and a commitment to supporting fellow members of the legal community during this challenging time.
Judge Wilkinson’s tragic death serves as a somber reminder of the risks that judges may sometimes face within their line of duty. Investigations into the circumstances surrounding both Judge Wilkinson’s shooting and Argote’s subsequent death are ongoing, as authorities strive to uncover all the details of this deeply distressing event.
As the community mourns the loss of Judge Wilkinson, his memory will forever be cherished, and the impact he made in the courtroom and in the lives of those he served will not be forgotten.