Maryland authorities are intensifying their search for Pedro Argote, the prime suspect in the shooting death of Washington County Circuit Court Judge Andrew Wilkinson on October 19. Although Argote remains at large, officials have made progress in the investigation by locating his abandoned vehicle. The silver 2009 Mercedes GL450 with Maryland plates was discovered in a wooded area near a former tannery in Williamsport, Maryland. Sheriff Brian K. Albert expressed confidence that they will apprehend Argote, describing the search as “nationwide” and involving multiple law enforcement agencies.
Judge Wilkinson was found dead with apparent gunshot wounds in his driveway on October 19. He had presided over a custody hearing earlier that day and had awarded child custody to Eugenia Argote, Pedro’s estranged wife. Pedro, however, was not present during the hearing. Authorities have labeled Wilkinson’s killing as a “targeted attack.” Erika Johnson, attorney for Eugenia Argote, expressed condolences to Wilkinson’s family and emphasized their lack of information regarding the murder or Pedro’s whereabouts.
The U.S. Marshals Service has joined the search for the 49-year-old suspect and is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to his arrest. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office has concluded its search in the Williamsport area, determining that Argote is no longer in the immediate vicinity. However, they are working to obtain a search warrant to examine the contents of the abandoned vehicle, aiming to strengthen their case against Argote.
Authorities have revealed that Argote has no previous criminal record in Washington County but has been involved in domestic disputes in the past. Individuals with any information about Argote’s location are urged to contact the Washington County Sheriff’s Office or the U.S. Marshals.
The investigation into this tragic incident is ongoing, and further details will be provided as they become available.
