In an unfortunate turn of events, the vehicle belonging to the prime suspect in the recent shooting of a Maryland judge was discovered last week. The discovery took place in Williamsport, Maryland, some eight miles away from the site of the alleged homicide. The murder of the 52-year-old judge, Andrew Wilkinson, occurred in his Hagerstown residence, an incident that has sent shock waves through Washington County.
Pedro Argote, the owner of the recovered silver Mercedes and the man accused of the crime, was the subject of a countywide alert that was released immediately following the grisly incident. The police have issued a warning, urging the public to maintain vigilance due to the potential threat that a 5 feet 7 inches tall, 130-pound Argote presents, his characteristic features: black hair and brown eyes.
The sheriff’s office wrapped up the investigation of the isolated and forested zone where Argote’s car was located, further communicating through a Facebook post that there is no conclusive evidence to confirm Argote’s current whereabouts in the nearby locality.
The enigmatic crime was referred to as a “targeted attack” by Washington County Sheriff Brian Albert, painting Argote as a figure to be regarded as “armed and dangerous.”
A chilling postscript to the narrative is that Argote allegedly unleashed his deadly anger on Judge Wilkinson shortly after receiving an unfavourable judgment in a child custody hearing.
The victim was reported to be in his driveway during the time of the attack, with his wife and son located inside the family home. Following the attack, Wilkinson was transported to a healthcare facility where he, unfortunately, succumbed to his injuries.
This unsettling event has triggered an instant reaction with a ramped-up security detail for serving judges across the county, a safety measure instituted as a deterrent against similar attacks. All those working within the judicial system can expect heightened protection going forward, Circuit Court Administrative Judge Brett Wilson shared in a statement.
A financial incentive of $10,000 has been floated by the US Marshals Service in the form of a reward for any tip-offs that could lead to Argote’s capture, with the news serving as a chilling reminder of the dangers faced by judges and their families. This issue permeates the judiciary, with over 1,300 threats or possibly dangerous situations amongst federal court employees requiring investigation during the 2022 fiscal year.
