The nationwide manhunt for Pedro Manuel Argote, the prime suspect in the fatal shooting of Maryland Circuit Court Judge Andrew Wilkinson, has intensified as authorities piece together the events leading up to the tragic incident and Argote's potential escape routes.
Judge Andrew Wilkinson, 52, was discovered with gunshot wounds in the driveway of his Hagerstown residence last week. Despite being rushed to a nearby hospital, he succumbed to his injuries. The incident has left the community in shock, especially given that Wilkinson's wife and son were present in the house during the shooting.
The motive behind the killing appears to be deeply personal. Earlier on the day of the shooting, Judge Wilkinson had presided over a divorce hearing involving Argote. The judge had awarded custody of Argote's children to his wife. Notably, Argote was absent from this hearing. Prior court filings reveal a tumultuous relationship between Argote and his wife. Argote had accused her of neglecting her homeschooling duties and failing to adequately supervise their children. In a countercomplaint, his wife alleged "cruel treatment" by Argote and expressed financial dependency on him. She had also sought a protective order against Argote, citing harassment, threats of abuse towards their daughter, and false accusations. Although a judge initially granted this order, which included a directive for Argote to surrender his firearms, it was later dismissed at the wife's behest.
As the search for Argote continues, his children, aged between 3 and 12, along with their mother, have been placed under protective custody. The urgency of the manhunt is underscored by the belief that Argote, who should be considered armed and dangerous, might attempt to flee the state or even the country.
The U.S. Marshal Service has identified multiple locations where Argote has connections. These include Brooklyn and Long Island in New York, Tampa and Clearwater in Florida, Columbus in Indiana, and North Carolina. This expansive network of ties complicates the search but also offers multiple avenues for potential sightings and tips.
In a significant development, Argote's 2009 Mercedes GL 450 was located in a remote wooded area in Williamsport, Maryland, approximately 10 miles from the crime scene. The discovery of the vehicle in such a secluded location, dotted with vacant buildings, has necessitated a thorough search by the police. Washington County Sheriff Brian Albert remains confident about Argote's eventual capture, stating, "We're going to catch this guy, it's just a matter of time."
The U.S. Marshals Service has announced a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to Argote's arrest, urging anyone with knowledge to come forward.
The tragic killing of Judge Wilkinson has had broader implications for the judiciary in Washington County, Maryland, prompting increased security measures for judges in the region.
