Maryland Judge Andrew Wilkinson Murdered; Suspect Found Dead in Woods

Suspect Pedro Argote allegedly motivated by contentious custody battle, found deceased after weeklong manhunt following the shocking murder of respected Washington County Circuit Court Judge.

Judge Andrew Wilkinson was shot and killed in his driveway after ruling against Pedro Argote in a divorce and custody case.
Argote, the main suspect, was found deceased in a heavily wooded area, approximately a mile from his abandoned Mercedes SUV, after a weeklong manhunt across multiple states.
Wilkinson is remembered as fair, calm, unassuming, and respectful to everyone in court, and was known for his ability to simplify and expedite difficult cases.
Before his murder, Wilkinson had served nearly four years on the bench, presiding over several high-profile cases throughout his tenure.
Wilkinson is survived by his wife, Stephanie Wilkinson, and their two children; his funeral was held in his hometown of Hagerstown.