Maryland Judge Fatally Shot in Driveway: Suspect at Large

Hagerstown, Maryland - A Maryland judge was fatally shot in the driveway of his home on Thursday evening, sparking a manhunt for the suspect. The shooting occurred at around 8 p.m. outside the home of Maryland Circuit Court Associate Judge Andrew Wilkinson, 52, located in the 19100 block of Olde Waterford Road in Hagerstown. Wilkinson was found by deputies who responded to a report of a shooting and was suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was quickly transported to Meritus Medical Center but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries.

Authorities have identified the suspect as 49-year-old Pedro Argote, who was scheduled to attend a divorce hearing before Judge Wilkinson earlier in the day but failed to appear. The hearing reportedly involved a contentious divorce case in which Argote lost custody of his children. According to court records, the judge had signed an order preventing Argote from contacting or visiting his children and prohibiting any contact between Argote and the children's mother. Additionally, Wilkinson ordered Argote to make a 2009 Mercedes available to the mother for necessary shopping or medical appointments.

The Washington County Sheriff's Office has labeled the attack as a targeted shooting, and Sheriff Brian Albert emphasized that Argote should be considered armed and dangerous. Argote has no known criminal record but is legally in possession of a firearm. Law enforcement agencies are urging the public to not approach him but to immediately notify authorities if they have any information on his whereabouts.

In response to the tragedy, Maryland State Police troopers were deployed to protect the homes of Washington County judges overnight as a precautionary measure, although no further threats are anticipated at this time. U.S. Representative David Trone, whose district includes Hagerstown, expressed his shock and sorrow at the violence in the community.

Judge Wilkinson, born in Guam in 1971, had an accomplished legal career before becoming an associate judge in Washington County Circuit Court in January 2020. He graduated from Emory University School of Law in 1997 and previously worked as an assistant county attorney. Wilkinson was highly respected in his community, and his untimely death has left a significant void in the justice system.

The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, and authorities are determined to bring the suspect to justice. The Washington County Sheriff's Office will be holding a press conference in the near future to provide further updates on the case. The local community mourns the loss of Judge Wilkinson and stands united against senseless acts of violence.