Pedro Argote still at large days after Maryland judge shooting: Live
A manhunt is under way to catch the “armed and dangerous” suspect wanted in connection to the murder of a Maryland judge.
Judge Andrew Wilkinson was found dead from gunshot wounds in the driveway of his home in Hagerstown, Maryland, on Thursday evening.
Law enforcement including US Marshals are now searching for Pedro Argote, 49, who is accused of targeting the judge in anger over a court ruling.
Hours before the shooting, the judge granted custody of Mr Argote’s four children to his ex-wife, Eugeina Argote, in a divorce hearing. Court records show he has a history of verbal domestic assaults against his wife and family.
Over the weekend, police confirmed that Mr Argote’s vehicle had been found in a wooded area in Williamsport – around eight miles from the crime scene.
Investigators have now warned he could be headed for New York, Florida, Indiana or North Carolina as he has ties to the various locations.
The US Marshals Service is now offering a reward of $10,000 for any information that could lead to his arrest.
Key points
Manhunt under way for suspect
Pedro Argote could be headed for New York
Judge Andrew Wilkinson presided over Pedro Argote’s divorce hearing
Judge shot dead in driveway of Maryland home
Monday 23 October 2023 22:00 , Kelly Rissman
New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez offers condolences for the judge
My heart goes out to Judge Andrew Wilkinson’s family. Our nation's judges – at every level, from the Supreme Court to local courts – must be free to render decisions w/o fear of targeted attacks or threats against their safety. That is an essential premise for the rule of law. https://t.co/G3XvfaOXux
— Senator Bob Menendez (@SenatorMenendez) October 21, 2023
Monday 23 October 2023 21:30 , Kelly Rissman
A gun safety group statement on the judge’s death
Maryland Judge Andrew Wilkinson was shot and killed last night hours after he granted custody of the suspect's children to their mother.
Our families and communities are all at risk when we make it too easy for abusive men to have guns.https://t.co/PJLmSlRhI2— GIFFORDS (@GIFFORDS_org) October 20, 2023
Monday 23 October 2023 21:00 , Kelly Rissman
What we know about Pedro Argote
He is allegedly 5 foot 7 inches tall, 130 lbs, with black hair and brown eyes.
Police believe he could be driving a silver 2009 Mercedes GL450, with the Maryland registration plate of 4EH0408.
Officials described him as “armed and dangerous”.
The suspect had a history of controlling and cruel behaviour towards his ex-wife, according to court documents.
The couple also had a long history of domestic incidents and in 2012, his ex-wife claimed, adding that she had tried to get help from a domestic violence advocacy center.
He is still at large, as of Monday afternoon.
Monday 23 October 2023 20:30 , Kelly Rissman
Who was Judge Wilkinson?
Wilkinson was born in Agana, Guam in 1971. His family moved around a lot during his childhood as part of the military, but settled in Hagerstown when his mother was hired as a law clerk for Judge Frederick Wright III in 1983.
He received a bachelor’s degree in economics at the University of North Carolina before earning his law degree from the Emory University School of Law in 1997.
Wilkinson became a circuit law clerk in Washington County before being sworn in as an associate judge for the County Circuit Court in 2020.
At his swearing-in, Wilkinson said he wanted to become a judge to serve the community, The Herald-Mail reported.
“It’s an honour and it’s humbling, and I’m happy to serve,” he said, thanking the now-retired judge, Mr Wright, for guiding his career.
Monday 23 October 2023 19:40 , Kelly Rissman
The timeline
19 October:
Judge Wilkinson granted custody of Pedro Argote’s four children to his ex-wife, Eugeina Argote, in a divorce hearing
Hours later, Mr Argote is accused of shooting Judge Wilkinson
20 October:
Washington County Sheriff Brian Albert said in a press conference that the attack on the judge was “targeted” and accused Mr Argote of retaliating because of the ruling
A homicide investigation was launched
22 October:
Police conclude search of Williamsport, Maryland area and offer a reward of up to $10,000 for information on Mr Argote
23 October:
The US Marshals Service says the suspect could be headed out of the state to a place where he has connections, like New York, Florida, Indiana, or North Carolina
The manhunt continues
Monday 23 October 2023 19:20 , Kelly Rissman
A $10,000 reward for info on the suspect at large
The US Marshals Service is offering $10,000 to anyone with information leading to Pedro Argote’s arrest after the fatal shooting of Judge Andrew Wilkinson.
Police said the suspect might head out of state, as he has connections to New York — in the Brooklyn and Long Island area — and Florida — in Tampa and Clearwater— as well as Indiana and North Carolina.
“We’re going to catch this guy. It’s just a matter of time,” Sheriff Brian Albert said at a press conference.
Monday 23 October 2023 19:00 , Kelly Rissman
The aftermath of the tragedy
After Andrew Wilkinson, the judge who presided over the Argotes’ divorce hearing, was fatally shot, “troopers were deployed to protect judges residing in Washington County,” Maryland State Police said on Friday.
The court where Wilkinson worked now has a “high-level” of security, Circuit Court Administrative Judge Brett Wilson explained.
Monday 23 October 2023 18:40 , Kelly Rissman
A message from the US Marshals Service
Law enforcement officials believe Argote is possibly operating a silver 2009 Mercedes GL 450 bearing Maryland registration 4EH0408.
Argote has ties to multiple locations beyond the state of Maryland to include Brooklyn and Long Island, New York; Tampa and Clearwater, Florida; Columbus, Indiana; and unknown cities in North Carolina.
The U.S. Marshals Service is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information that leads to Argote’s arrest. Argote should be considered armed and dangerous. Anyone with information is urged to contact the U.S. Marshals at 1-877-WANTED2 or submit tips via the USMS Tips App.
Monday 23 October 2023 18:20 , Kelly Rissman
ICYMI: The fatal shooting of a Maryland judge
Mere hours after Judge Andrew Wilkinson presided over a divorce hearing, which granted Eugenia Argote full custody of her four children, the judge was found in his driveway in Hagerstown, Maryland with gunshot wounds.
Ms Argote’s ex-husband, Pedro Argote, 49, is considered a person of interest in the case. Mr Argote was not present in the courtroom when Wilkinson gave his wife custody of their children.
A manhunt for him is underway.
Read the full story...
A judge made a key ruling in a couple’s divorce. He was shot dead hours later
Monday 23 October 2023 18:00 , Kelly Rissman
Condolences from the governor
I am deeply saddened by the senseless killing of Judge Andrew Wilkinson. Our hearts go out to his family, loved ones, and the Hagerstown community. https://t.co/XYle9oq1iR
— Governor Larry Hogan (@GovLarryHogan) October 20, 2023
This act of horrific violence not only takes away a respected community figure but also shakes the foundation of our justice system. We must stand together, seek justice, and ensure the safety of our judges and all public servants. We mourn the loss of Judge Wilkinson, a…
— Governor Larry Hogan (@GovLarryHogan) October 20, 2023
Monday 23 October 2023 17:40 , Kelly Rissman
Statement from the Maryland Judiciary on Judge Wilkinson
The Maryland Judiciary said it is mourning Wilkinson’s “tragic death.”
“As we grieve his loss, we ask that you keep the Wilkinson family in your prayers and please respect their privacy,” the system said in a statement Friday.
“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.”
Monday 23 October 2023 17:20 , Kelly Rissman
A message from the US Marshals Service
The U.S. Marshals Service is seeking the public’s assistance in locating Pedro Manuel Argote, 49, a man suspected of murdering a Maryland Circuit Court Judge: https://t.co/xnHo76Nf4T
— U.S. Marshals Service (@USMarshalsHQ) October 23, 2023
Monday 23 October 2023 18:33 , Kelly Rissman
What happened to the judge?
Judge Andrew Wilkinson was fatally shot while he was in the driveway of his home in Hagerstown, Maryland, police said.
The judge was found with gunshot wounds at around 8pm on 19 October.
He was rushed to Meritus Medical Center, where he later succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.
This shooting is unusual to the area, as Washington County in Maryland has only reported two homicides - one in April and one in July - in 2023, according to police.
Maryland State Police have reportedly dispatched troopers to protect other judges in the area, reported 7News.
Monday 23 October 2023 16:40 , Kelly Rissman
What we know about Pedro Argote’s alleged past
Judge Wilkinson had awarded custody of the Argotes’ four children to Eugenia Argote hours before he was shot and killed.
The suspect had a history of controlling and cruel behaviour towards his ex-wife, according to court documents.
This behaviour reportedly included keeping hold of her car keys at all times so he knew when she was leaving home, stealing money from her, harassing her via text messages, using security cameras to monitor her, and even an accusation that he had been violent with their child.
The couple also had a long history of domestic incidents and in 2012, his ex-wife claimed, adding that she had tried to get help from a domestic violence advocacy center.
Judge Wilkinson also granted a temporary order in June 2022 which required Mr Argote to leave the couple’s shared residence and surrender his firearms. However the order was later dismissed at Ms Argote’s request, though it is unclear why.
Monday 23 October 2023 16:20 , Kelly Rissman
A tragic pattern
This is not the first time Hagerstown has seen one of its judges attacked.
On 22 December 1989, a pack of pipe bombs exploded in the third-floor apartment of Judge John Corderman, according to the Herald-Mail archives.
The attack, in Hagerstown, left Corderman with shrapnel wounds to his right hand and abdomen and partial hearing loss.
Read the full story.
A judge made a key ruling in a couple’s divorce. He was shot dead hours later
Monday 23 October 2023 15:50 , Kelly Rissman
Who was Judge Wilkinson?
Andrew Wilkinson was born in Agana, Guam in 1971. His family moved around a lot during his childhood as part of the military, but settled in Hagerstown when his mother was hired as a law clerk for Judge Frederick Wright III in 1983.
He received a bachelor’s degree in economics at the University of North Carolina before earning his law degree from the Emory University School of Law in 1997.
Wilkinson became a circuit law clerk in Washington County before being sworn in as an associate judge for the County Circuit Court in 2020.
Monday 23 October 2023 15:20 , Kelly Rissman
Where is Mr Argote?
He could be heading out of state, officials say. The US Marshals Service added that he has ties to New York, Indiana, Florida, and North Carolina.
The US Marshals Service is now offering a reward of $10,000 for any information that could lead to the arrest of Mr Argote while Washington County Sheriff’s Office has said it has concluded its search operations around Williamsport.
“No further information indicates that Argote is still in the immediate area,” the sheriff’s office wrote on Facebook.
The sheriff’s office continues to investigate leads and gather information about the shooting, while authorities warn that Mr Argote should be considered armed and dangerous.
Read the full story...
‘Armed’ suspect in murder of Maryland judge may be headed for New York
Monday 23 October 2023 14:47 , Kelly Rissman
The timeline
19 October:
Judge Wilkinson granted custody of Pedro Argote’s four children to his ex-wife, Eugeina Argote, in a divorce hearing
Hours later, Mr Argote is accused of shooting Judge Wilkinson
20 October:
Washington County Sheriff Brian Albert said in a press conference that the attack on the judge was “targeted” and accused Mr Argote of retaliating because of the ruling
A homicide investigation was launched
22 October:
Police conclude search of Williamsport, Maryland area and offer a reward of up to $10,000 for information on Mr Argote
23 October:
The US Marshals Service says the suspect could be headed out of the state to a place where he has connections, like New York, Florida, Indiana, or North Carolina
The manhunt continues
Who is the suspect?
Monday 23 October 2023 14:10 , Rachel Sharp
Police identified the suspect in the killing as 49-year-old Pedro Argote on Friday morning.
Mr Argote’s divorce case was in Wilkinson’s courtroom on the day of the killing, according to Circuit Court of Maryland records. Authorities said Mr Argote was not at the hearing, where Wilkinson gave his wife custody of their children.
Wilkinson has been presiding over the case - seeking a partial judgment of absolute divorce - since October 2022.
Another hearing in the case was set for 31 October, but the records now show that it has been postponed/reset.
Police have described Mr Argote as 5 foot 7 inches tall, 130 lbs, with black hair and brown eyes.
They believe he could be driving a silver 2009 Mercedes GL450, with the Maryland registration plate of 4EH0408.
The vehicle was found abandoned in a wooded area over the weekend – but there is still no sign of Mr Argote.
The public has been warned not to approach Mr Argote but to contact the police immediately with any information on his location.
FULL STORY: ‘Armed’ suspect in murder of Maryland judge may be headed for New York
Monday 23 October 2023 14:00 , Rachel Sharp
The “armed and dangerous” suspect wanted in connection to the murder of a Maryland judge may now be headed for New York as he remains on the run four days on from the shooting.
The US Marshals Service said in an update that Pedro Argote, 49, has connections to New York, in the Brooklyn and Long Island area.
He also has ties to other locations, such as Tampa and Clearwater in Florida, Columbus in Indiana and unknown cities in North Carolina.
A manhunt for Mr Argote has now entered its fifth day after he allegedly shot Judge Andrew Wilkinson dead in the driveway of his home in Maryland on Thursday evening.
Read more...
‘Armed’ suspect in murder of Maryland judge may be headed for New York
What happened to Judge Andrew Wilkinson?
Monday 23 October 2023 13:45 , Rachel Sharp
Judge Andrew Wilkinson was fatally shot in the driveway of his home in Hagerstown, Maryland, on Thursday evening.
At around 8pm, police were called to the home to find him suffering gunshot wounds.
He was rushed to Meritus Medical Center, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Wilkinson was born in Agana, Guam in 1971. His family moved around a lot during his childhood as part of the military, but settled in Hagerstown when his mother was hired as a law clerk for Judge Frederick Wright III in 1983.
He received a bachelor’s degree in economics at the University of North Carolina before earning his law degree from the Emory University School of Law in 1997.
Wilkinson became a circuit law clerk in Washington County before being sworn in as an associate judge for the County Circuit Court in 2020.
At his swearing-in, Wilkinson said he wanted to become a judge to serve the community, The Herald-Mail reported.
“It’s an honour and it’s humbling, and I’m happy to serve,” he said, thanking the now-retired judge, Mr Wright, for guiding his career.
Alongside his successful legal career, Wilkinson was a father and a husband; according to Fox 5, he was involved in the community, such as helping out at local Little League baseball and soccer games.
Welcome to The Independent’s live blog
Monday 23 October 2023 13:41 , Rachel Sharp
Follow all the latest updates on the murder of Maryland Judge Andrew Wilkinson and the manhunt for suspect Pedro Argote
