Search for suspect in fatal shooting of Maryland judge continues

HAGERSTOWN, Md. (AP) — A manhunt for a suspect in the fatal shooting of a Maryland judge continued for a fourth day Sunday as authorities completed a search of an area where the suspect’s car was found.

Officials said Pedro Argote is suspected of gunning down Circuit Court Judge Andrew Wilkinson in his driveway Thursday, hours after Wilkinson ruled against him in a divorce case. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office said Saturday that the SUV Argote was believed to be driving was found in Williamsport, Maryland.

The sheriff’s office said Sunday that a search of the Williamsport area has been completed and urged anyone with any information on Argote’s whereabouts to contact authorities.  Wilkinson, 52, was shot the same day he awarded custody of Argote’s children to his wife. Washington County Sheriff Brian Albert said it was a “targeted attack.”
Albert said local, state and federal law enforcement agencies are participating in the search for Argote.

The U.S. Marshals Service is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to Argote’s arrest.

PHOTO INFO: Washington County Sheriff Brian Albert speaks to the media in Hagerstown, Md., about the killing of Maryland circuit court Judge Andrew Wilkinson, Friday, Oct. 20. 2023. Listening from left are Washington County Sheriff Department public information officer Sgt. Carly Hose, Maryland State Police Lt. Col. Dan Pickett, Washington County State’s Attorney Gina Cirincion and Hagerstown Police Chief Paul Kifer. (AP Photo/Jon Elswick)

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