Kirk Downey sworn in by Gov. Wes Moore A Washington County Circuit Court judge

WASHINGTON COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now) — Maryland Gov. Wes Moore visited the Washington County courthouse in Hagerstown for the swearing in of Kirk C. Downey as the new circuit court judge.

The ceremony turns a page from a tragic episode that happened last year.

Downey fills the seat of Judge Andrew Wilkinson who was fatally shot in October of 2023 in the driveway of his home by Pedro Argote. Wilkinson had earlier that day denied child custody to Argote in a divorce case.

New Washington County Circuit Court judge appointed in Maryland

“The investiture ceremony was a perfect balance between remembering Wilkinson and celebrating Kirk Downey taking a seat on the bench,” said Peter Perini, Sr., a member of the Hagerstown City Council.

Downey has spent 20 years as counsel to the Washington County Commission and is highly regarded in the Hagerstown area.

“He’s got a lot of integrity,” Randy Wagner, a member of the Washington County Commission, said. “He is easy going and he will be a fair judge.”

Wagner added that Downey “has invested service in this community.”

Early voting sites, staffing polls are challenges facing Washington County for primary election

Former county commission president Ron Bowers got to know Downey through his cousin with whom he served on the commission for 20 years.

“I see Kirk Downey now as judge, being that person who really brings a decorum of common sense and compassion and empathy to the bench,” Bowers said.

Downey will undergo a week or so of orientation with his fellow judges before he starts to hear cases from the bench.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.