Suspected Killer of Maryland Judge Andrew Wilkinson Found Dead After Weeklong Search

Pedro Argote, 49, the prime suspect in the killing of Circuit Court Judge Andrew Wilkinson, was discovered deceased in a dense woodland close to where the original crime occurred. Authorities had been pursuing Argote since Oct. 19 when Judge Wilkinson was gunned down in his driveway, hours after ruling against Argote in a poignant divorce hearing.

The hearing was marked by distressing testimonies from Argote’s wife and daughter, detailing years of abuse they endured at his hands. As a result, Judge Wilkinson awarded Argote’s wife sole custody of their four children. Argote, who had represented himself during the first day of the hearing, did not attend the subsequent sessions, citing a headache. He was barred from contacting his children or approaching the family residence by the court’s order.

Following the fatal driveway incident, law enforcement embarked on an intense manhunt. Argote’s SUV was found abandoned in a woodland near Williamsport, roughly 8 miles from Hagerstown. After initial searches proved unfruitful, a systematic exploration led officers to Argote’s body. The exact circumstances of his death are yet to be determined.

Washington County Sheriff Brian Albert conveyed both relief and sorrow during a press briefing. The news came while many officers were attending a viewing for the slain judge.

Local attorney Kirk Downey, who had previously collaborated with Judge Wilkinson, expressed his grief and disbelief over the tragic events but hoped the discovery would bring some solace to a community that had been in turmoil for a week.

The Maryland judiciary issued a statement applauding the diligence of the law enforcement officers and urged respect for Judge Wilkinson’s grieving family. Described as a dedicated community pillar, Judge Wilkinson’s funeral is set for Friday in Hagerstown. He was 52.

Author: Lou Nightingale