Search for Pedro Argote, Suspect in Fatal Shooting of Maryland Judge, Continues

Officials continue to search for Pedro Argote, the suspect in the fatal shooting of Maryland Judge Andrew Wilkinson. Argote’s abandoned SUV was found near the shooting scene, but authorities do not believe he is still in the immediate area. The shooting is described as a targeted attack, and a $10,000 reward has been offered for information leading to his arrest. Argote has ties to multiple locations across the United States.

The search for Pedro Argote, the suspect in the fatal shooting of Maryland judge Andrew Wilkinson, is ongoing. Officials have stated that they do not believe Argote is in the area where his abandoned SUV was found. The shooting occurred shortly after Judge Wilkinson granted custody of Argote’s four minor children to his estranged wife. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office has described the shooting as a “targeted” attack.

Over the weekend, a $10,000 reward was announced for information leading to Argote’s arrest. The U.S. Marshals Service has cautioned that Argote has connections to various locations, including Brooklyn, Long Island, Tampa, Clearwater, Columbus, and other cities in North Carolina.

Argote is considered armed and dangerous, and the public has been advised not to approach him but to contact the authorities if he is spotted. His SUV was discovered in Williamsport, Maryland, near the West Virginia border, but it is unclear how long it had been there. The vehicle was found in a wooded area less than 10 miles from the shooting scene in Hagerstown.

The sheriff’s office has concluded a search in the Williamsport area and does not have any further information indicating that Argote is still in the immediate vicinity. The shooting took place on the same day that Judge Wilkinson granted custody of the children to Argote’s estranged wife and ordered him to pay child support. Last year, the wife had filed a domestic violence petition against Argote, which was later dismissed.

Sheriff Brian K. Albert has confirmed that deputies had responded to verbal arguments at the family residence in the past but had not received reports of physical violence. Judge Wilkinson was remembered as an upstanding member of the community who always made decisions based on intellect and honesty.

Anyone with information on Argote’s whereabouts is encouraged to contact the Washington County Sheriff’s Office or the U.S. Marshals Service..