HAGERSTOWN, Md. — The Washington County Sheriff's Office said Saturday it had located a vehicle belonging to the man suspected of fatally shooting a Hagerstown judge this week, but that the suspect's whereabouts still remained unknown. The U.S. Marshals Service is now offering a reward for information leading to his arrest.
Washington County deputies launched a manhunt this week for Pedro Argote, who they believe shot and killed 52-year-old Maryland Circuit Court Judge Andrew Wilkinson in his home in the 19000 block of Olde Waterford Road Thursday night. Wilkinson was found lying in his driveway with gunshot wounds and was rushed to Meritus Medical Center for treatment, where he later died from his injuries. Wilkinson's wife and son were at home at the time of the shooting.
The department identified Argote Friday morning as the suspected shooter. According to Washington County Sheriff Brian Albert, the same day he was killed Wilkinson had presided over a divorce hearing between Argote and his partner. During the hearing, which Argote did not attend, Wilkinson awarded child custody to Argote's partner.
Albert said Friday Argot should be considered armed and dangerous and might be driving a silver Mercedes with Maryland license plate 4EH0408.
On Saturday, the department said the vehicle had been located abandoned in a wooded area off Bottom Road in Williamsport, Maryland. Williamsport is a small community along the Potomac River a short drive from Hagerstown. Argote was not located with the vehicle.
According to the sheriff's department, Argote does not have a criminal record in Washington County, however deputies have responded to his home in the past for verbal domestic assaults. The department said at the time of the shooting Argote legally owned a handgun.
The sheriff's office said Sunday that it concluded search operations in the Williamsport area. Argote is no longer believed to be in the immediate area.
In a news release issued late Friday, the Marshals Service said Argote has ties to multiple areas outside of Maryland, including 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 the arrest of Argote.
Anyone with information should contact the U.S. Marshals at 1-877-WANTED2 or submit tips at https://www.p3tips.com/USMS.aspx.
People with time-sensitive information can also contact Deputy U.S. Marshal Maresca directly at (202) 819-5058.
Local, state and federal agencies were assisting in the investigation, which Albert called a "a concerted effort."
State delegate Neil Parrott (R-MD) took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to say police are actively searching for the gunman.
"Please pray for our police and for Judge Wilkinson's family at this time," Parrott said.
Wilkinson has been a judge with the 4th Judicial Circuit since January 10, 2020. He was born in Agana, Guam in 1971 and later attended the University of North Carolina before getting his J.D. at the Emory University School of Law in 1997.
Anyone with information regarding Wilkinson's death can contact the sheriff's office at 240-313-4345.
Public reacts to the judge's death
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore released the following statement on Friday:
I am shocked, heartbroken, and sickened by the killing of Judge Andrew Wilkinson. He was the victim of a cold-blooded, vicious, and targeted attack. My heart goes out to Judge Wilkinson’s family, and my prayers are with everyone who knew him, loved him, and served alongside him.
My team has been in close contact with the judiciary and with leadership in Hagerstown and Washington County, including local law enforcement and elected officials. Maryland State Police troopers were dispatched to protect other judges, and I am receiving consistent updates from Superintendent of State Police Roland Butler.
The State of Maryland is supporting law enforcement in their investigation and local, state, and federal partners are actively engaged in the search for the suspect. Anyone with knowledge that could aid in the investigation is encouraged to contact authorities immediately.
Judge Wilkinson spent his career in defense of justice. We must now ensure that the perpetrator of this vile act faces justice and Judge Wilkinson’s family gets the support they need and deserve.
U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Maryland) released the following statement on Friday:
I offer my condolences to Judge Wilkinson’s family, friends and all those touched by his public service. No one should have to endure the anguish of having a loved one ripped away in such a manner. There is no excuse for this kind of violence, especially against an officer of the court. The rule of law is what makes our society work. It may not be perfect, but individuals like Judge Wilkinson worked to make it better and more just every day. His passion clearly was for serving his local community and for this, Judge Wilkinson will be sorely missed.
U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Maryland) released the following statement on Friday:
I’m appalled and saddened by the news that Judge Andrew Wilkinson was killed in a senseless act of gun violence. Judge Wilkinson was a dedicated public servant with a true appreciation for the rule of law, and his tragic murder represents outright disregard for the institution he was committed to upholding. My thoughts are with his family and with the entire Hagerstown community during this awful time.
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