Man Accused of Murdering Maryland Judge in Divorce Case Discovered Deceased in Woodland Area

A suspect implicated in the fatal shooting of a Maryland judge, who had presided over his divorce proceedings, was located dead on Thursday in a densely forested region not far from the crime scene. This discovery concluded an intensive weeklong manhunt that has shaken this predominantly rural community.

Pedro Argote, aged 49, is believed to have been incensed over the loss of custody of his children when he fatally shot Washington County Circuit Court Judge Andrew Wilkinson. The incident occurred on October 19, just outside Judge Wilkinson’s residence where he was shot in his driveway.

Only a few hours before the fatal attack, Judge Wilkinson had overseen a hearing during which Argote’s wife and daughter provided heart-wrenching testimony detailing years of abuse at Argote’s hands. Argote was absent from the hearing, which culminated in Judge Wilkinson ruling in favor of his wife and granting her sole custody of their four children.

Following the shooting, law enforcement agencies immediately initiated a search operation for Argote. On the subsequent Saturday, his SUV was found abandoned in a wooded region in Williamsport, approximately 8 miles (or 13 kilometers) southwest of Hagerstown, the site of the judge’s shooting.

Subsequent searches of the vicinity where the vehicle was located initially indicated that Argote was not in the area. However, authorities announced on Thursday morning that upon conducting “further evidentiary searches,” they discovered Argote’s body.

“We initially performed a cursory search of that location but conducted a more meticulous search today,” stated Washington County Sheriff Brian Albert during a Thursday press conference.

While the specific details surrounding Argote’s time and cause of death are still pending an autopsy, officials and the Wilkinson family expressed relief upon learning of the discovery. Several law enforcement officers attended the press conference after paying respects at a viewing ceremony for Judge Wilkinson, where they also met with his grieving family.

“It’s a mitigating circumstance, but we are still grappling with a devastating tragedy,” said Sheriff Albert when queried about the family’s response.

Washington County Attorney Kirk Downey, a former colleague of Judge Wilkinson, also found out about the discovery of Argote’s body as he prepared to attend the viewing. Downey expressed that this would offer some solace to a community that had been living in heightened anxiety for nearly a week.

“I am still grappling with the incredulity of this senseless and tragic event,” Downey commented on the murder of his friend.

In a subsequent Thursday afternoon statement, the Maryland judiciary commended the work carried out by law enforcement and requested that the privacy of the Wilkinson family be respected.

“Our grief continues for the loss of our esteemed colleague and friend as we stand in solidarity with the Wilkinson family, the judicial staff of the Circuit Court for Washington County, and the greater communities of Hagerstown and Washington County at large,” read the statement.

A funeral service for Judge Wilkinson, who was 52 years old, is planned for Friday morning in Hagerstown.

In prior testimony, Argote’s family members had divulged that he had exerted total control over their lives, keeping them socially isolated and subjecting them to varying forms of abuse over recent years.

During the initial session of the recent divorce hearing, which took place on September 26, Argote chose to represent himself. Although he exhibited signs of frustration, his demeanor remained composed and he frequently addressed the judge with respect, using the term “your honor.” Argote was absent during the second half of the hearing, citing a headache as his reason for not appearing.

The judge consequently ruled against Argote’s visitation rights and also imposed a restraining order, prohibiting him from contacting his children or entering the family home.

According to authorities, Argote appeared in Judge Wilkinson’s driveway just hours after these rulings were made.

Judge Wilkinson was a longstanding resident of Hagerstown and was actively engaged in community affairs. Hagerstown, a city with a population nearing 44,000, is situated about 75 miles (approximately 120 kilometers) northwest of Baltimore in Maryland’s panhandle.

Reported from Baltimore by Skene. Additional contributions from Michael Kunzelman of Big Big News, based in Silver Spring, Maryland.

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More about Maryland Judge Murder Suspect Found Dead

• Maryland Judiciary Official Statement
• Washington County Sheriff’s Department Press Release
• Local News Coverage of Judge Wilkinson’s Murder
• National News Coverage of Maryland Judge Shooting Case
• Profile of Judge Andrew Wilkinson
• Hagerstown Community Response to the Incident
• Overview of Divorce and Custody Laws in Maryland
• Washington County Attorney Kirk Downey’s Statement
• Background on Domestic Abuse Cases in Maryland Courts
• Historical Crime Rates in Washington County, Maryland