Authorities on Saturday discovered a silver Mercedes believed to be driven by Pedro Argote, the suspect wanted for the killing of Maryland Circuit Court Judge Andrew Wilkinson. The vehicle, a 2009 Mercedes GL 450 with Maryland registration 4EH0408, was found in a wooded and remote area by a resident who promptly alerted the police. The car was potentially abandoned there the previous week, according to Washington County Sheriff Brian Albert. The search area is described as vast, spanning hundreds of acres, but officials assured the public that the community is not at risk.

During a press conference, Sheriff Albert expressed confidence in capturing Argote, stating, "We're going to catch this guy." He urged the public to avoid the search area and encouraged anyone with information to contact local law enforcement. Argote, a 49-year-old man described as 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighing 130 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes, is considered armed and dangerous.

The killing of Judge Wilkinson took place on Thursday evening, when he was found dead with apparent gunshot wounds in his driveway on Olde Waterford Road in Hagerstown. Wilkinson's wife and son were present inside the family home during the incident. Police received reports of the shooting around 8 p.m., and the judge was pronounced dead at Meritus Medical Center.

Court records indicate that Wilkinson presided over a judgment hearing in Argote's divorce case just hours before the shooting. The judge had ruled in favor of Wilkinson's wife, granting her sole legal custody of their four children. Argote, who was not present at the hearing, was prohibited from contacting the children and his wife, except for necessary shopping trips and medical appointments.

The motive behind the attack appears to be related to the custody decision. In June 2022, Argote's wife filed a domestic violence petition, alleging physical abuse against one of their daughters and expressing fear for her safety. The petition was later dismissed for unknown reasons. Authorities are offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to Argote's arrest and have urged the public to remain vigilant.

The killing of Judge Wilkinson has prompted increased security measures for judges throughout Washington County. Maryland State Police deployed troopers to protect judges residing in the area as a precautionary measure. The court where Wilkinson worked now has heightened security, and all judges and court personnel are receiving increased protection.

The U.S. Marshals Service has joined the search for Argote, who is believed to have ties to multiple areas outside of Maryland, including Brooklyn, Long Island, Columbus, Tampa, Clearwater, and unknown locations in North Carolina. The agency has offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to his arrest.

Wilkinson's death is part of a concerning trend of threats and attacks against judges and their families. In fiscal year 2022, over 1,300 threats or possible threats involving federal court personnel were investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service.

The ongoing investigation seeks to bring justice for Judge Wilkinson and ensure the safety of the community.