Manhunt underway for suspect accused of killing Maryland judge over custody, divorce case

A manhunt is underway for the suspect accused of killing Maryland Judge Andrew Wilkinson, 52, at his home on Thursday night.

Pedro Argote, 49, is accused of allegedly shooting Wilkinson to death in the driveway of his home in west Maryland around 8 pm, according to Daily Mail. Wilkson was a judge in Washington County Circuit Court and was presiding over a divorce hearing that included Argote at the time of his death.

The Washington County Sheriff's Office described Argote as 5'7, 130lbs with black hair and brown eyes. The agency warned the public not to approach the suspect and to contact authorities if they know of Argote's whereabouts. Police said Argote is in possession of a legally-owned firearm and may be driving a silver 2009 Mercedes GL450, with Maryland license plate 4EH0408.

"This was a targeted attack on Judge Wilkinson. We have identified Pedro Argote, 49, of Frederick, Maryland, as a suspect in this case. Argote is not in custody and is considered armed and dangerous," Washington County Sherriff Brian Albert said during a press brief on Friday. "There was a proceeding earlier in the day (Thursday), a divorce hearing that Agote was not in attendance of that, though."

Judge Wilkinson reportedly ruled on the day of the fatal shooting that Argote could have no visitation or contact with his wife and four children after he failed to appear in court earlier in the day.
 

Wilkinson ruled that Argote is not allowed to enter the family's property and that Argote's wife will have "sole use and possession of the family home." Argote was also ordered to pay $1,120 in child support each month.

Sheriff Albert said that Wilkinson's wife and son were inside their family home when the judge was shot to death in the driveway.

Wilkinson was transported to the hospital with multiple gun shot wounds and was later pronounced dead.

According to Sheriff Albert, police have responded to alleged suspect Argote's home for verbal domestic disputes twice within the last two years.

Maryland Judiciary released a statement following the shooting which read: "As we grieve his loss, we ask that you keep the Wilkinson family in your prayers and please respect their privacy. The Maryland Judiciary is actively engaging with law enforcement to assist in resolving this matter and to ensure the safety of our judges, staff, and visitors, which remains our top priority."