Current:Home > InvestPedro Argote, wanted in killing of Maryland judge, found dead-Angel Dreamer Wealth Society D1 Reviews & Insights
Pedro Argote, wanted in killing of Maryland judge, found dead
View Date:2024-12-23 20:06:05
Deputies found the body of a Maryland man wanted in connection with the death of Maryland Circuit Court Judge Andrew Wilkinson.
The Washington County Sheriff's Office announced that Pedro Argote, 49, was found dead on Thursday morning at around 11 a.m., one week after the sheriff's office said Argote shot and killed Wilkinson in his driveway following a custody decision that didn't go Argote's way.
Wilkinson granted custody of his four children to his ex-wife after Argote failed to show up for a hearing. Argote and his ex-wife were locked in a fierce divorce battle presided over by Wilkinson for more than a year.
The sheriff's office said deputies found Argote's body in a wooded area around one mile away from the spot where authorities found an abandoned silver Mercedes linked to him on Saturday. The remains were discovered as part of a routine evidence search of the area around the car, Washington County Sheriff Brian K. Albert said at a press conference Thursday.
The Sheriff's Office announced they were searching for Argote on Friday, the morning after Wilkinson was found in his driveway suffering from a gunshot wound while his wife and son were inside. The sheriff's office warned Argote was "armed and dangerous."
The U.S. Marshal's Service offered a $10,000 reward for information that could lead to his arrest and noted Argote has ties in multiple states, including New York, Florida, Indiana, and North Carolina.
Deputies were initially dispatched to protect other justices in the area as a precautionary measure before they deemed the shooting a "targeted attack" on Wilkinson.
Alpert said the discovery of Argote's body lowered the level of threat to the community. "Everybody should sleep a little bit better tonight," he said.
Argote's body will be transported to the medical examiner in Baltimore for an autopsy, Alpert said. "Until the autopsy is complete, we will not be able to answer questions surrounding his cause or time of death."
A bitter divorce and custody battle
On the morning before he was shot, Wilkinson granted Argote's ex-wife sole custody of all four children and possession of the couple's home. He barred Argote from any contact with his ex-wife and children other than to hand over the Mercedes for her use.
Since Argote filed for divorce in June 2022, he and his ex-wife traded accusations about meddling with child custody time.
Argote claimed his ex-wife inflicted "undue emotional distress" on the children by discouraging them from going on outings with their father.
His ex-wife wrote in a protection-order request that she wanted to leave the relationship "for the longest time" but stayed out of fear that he would attempt to gain custody of the children.
She claimed her ex-husband threatened her, kept her from financial independence, and attempted to trap her at home. "He has the car keys in his pocket at all times," she wrote. "I can't get out of the house without his knowledge."
She also alleged Argote had "his weapon on him at all times."
"He is doing it to make me fear doing what I am doing now," she wrote.
More:Panera Bread's ‘Charged Lemonade’ being blamed for student's death, family files lawsuit
Wilkinson's judicial and public service
Wilkinson was born in Guam and lived overseas in Thailand and Puerto Rico while growing up, according to an obituary from the Douglas A. Fiery Funeral Home in Hagerstown.
He was admitted to the Maryland Bar after receiving his law degree from Emory University School of Law in 1997 and his undergraduate degree from The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, in 1994.
After serving as the assistant county attorney for Washington County, Maryland, and opening his private practice, he was appointed as an associate judge of the Maryland circuit court in January 2020 by then-Gov. Larry Hogan.
Outside of his work, Wilkinson served on the board of the YMCA of Hagerstown and Food Resources Inc. He also coached youth soccer, lacrosse, and basketball.
Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen wrote in a statement: "I’m appalled and saddened by the news that Judge Andrew Wilkinson was killed in a senseless act of gun violence. Judge Wilkinson was a dedicated public servant with a true appreciation for the rule of law, and his tragic murder represents outright disregard for the institution he was committed to upholding."
veryGood! (52)
Related
- US inflation may have picked up in October after months of easing
- Greta Thunberg joins activists' protest against a wind farm in Norway
- What's making us happy: A guide to your weekend reading, listening and viewing
- TikTok's Everything Shower Trend Is an Easy Way to Prioritize Self-Care
- Justice Department sues to block UnitedHealth Group’s $3.3 billion purchase of Amedisys
- Abbott Elementary Sneak Peek: The School Staff Is Heading on the Road
- Dennis Lehane's 'Small Mercies' is a crime thriller that spotlights rampant racism
- It Cosmetics Flash Deal: Save $24 on the Your Skin But Better CC Cream
- Suicides in the US military increased in 2023, continuing a long-term trend
- The Trendiest Affordable Throw Blankets From Amazon for Every Home Decor Aesthetic
Ranking
- Seattle man faces 5 assault charges in random sidewalk stabbings
- Meet the father-son journalists from Alabama who won a Pulitzer and changed laws
- This fake 'Jury Duty' really put James Marsden's improv chops on trial
- How a mother and her daughters created an innovative Indian dance company
- Queen Elizabeth II's Final 5-Word Diary Entry Revealed
- 'Are You There God?' adaptation retains the warmth and wit of Judy Blume's classic
- Paris Hilton Reflects on Decision to Have an Abortion in Her 20s
- Kate Spade 24-Hour Flash Deal: Get This $280 Crossbody Bag for Just $59
Recommendation
-
Beyoncé nominated for album of the year at Grammys — again. Will she finally win?
-
Amid anti-trans bills targeting youth, Dwyane Wade takes a stand for his daughter
-
Don't have the energy to clean today? Just tidy up these 5 things
-
Shirtless Shawn Mendes Steps Out for Hike With Doctor Jocelyne Miranda
-
What are the best financial advising companies? Help USA TODAY rank the top U.S. firms
-
The summer movies, TV and music we can't wait for
-
Marriage and politics are tough negotiations in 'The Diplomat'
-
Kim Kardashian Asks Late Dad Robert Kardashian Sr. to Visit in a Dream in Heartbreaking Birthday Message