Manhunt underway for Maryland judge’s shooting suspect – live

Wilkinson was born in Agana, Guam in 1971. His family moved around a lot during his childhood as part of the military, but settled in Hagerstown when his mother was hired as a law clerk for Judge Frederick Wright III in 1983.

He received a bachelor’s degree in economics at the University of North Carolina before earning his law degree from the Emory University School of Law in 1997.

Wilkinson became a circuit law clerk in Washington County before being sworn in as an associate judge for the County Circuit Court in 2020.

At his swearing-in, Wilkinson said he wanted to become a judge to serve the community, The Herald-Mail reported.

“It’s an honour and it’s humbling, and I’m happy to serve,” he said, thanking the now-retired judge, Mr Wright, for guiding his career.

Alongside his successful legal career, Wilkinson was a father and a husband; according to Fox 5, he was involved in the community, such as helping out at local Little League baseball and soccer games.

He could be heading out of state, officials say. The US Marshals Service added that he has ties to New York, Indiana, Florida, and North Carolina.

The US Marshals Service is now offering a reward of $10,000 for any information that could lead to the arrest of Mr Argote while Washington County Sheriff’s Office has said it has concluded its search operations around Williamsport.

“No further information indicates that Argote is still in the immediate area,” the sheriff’s office wrote on Facebook.

The sheriff’s office continues to investigate leads and gather information about the shooting, while authorities warn that Mr Argote should be considered armed and dangerous.

Statement from the Maryland Judiciary on Judge Wilkinson

The Maryland Judiciary said it is mourning Wilkinson’s “tragic death.”

“As we grieve his loss, we ask that you keep the Wilkinson family in your prayers and please respect their privacy,” the system said in a statement Friday.

“The Maryland Judiciary is actively engaging with law enforcement to assist in resolving this matter and to ensure the safety of our judges, staff, and visitors, which remains our top priority.”

What we know about Pedro Argote

• He is allegedly 5 foot 7 inches tall, 130 lbs, with black hair and brown eyes.
• Police believe he could be driving a silver 2009 Mercedes GL450, with the Maryland registration plate of 4EH0408.
• Officials described him as “armed and dangerous”.
• The suspect had a history of controlling and cruel behaviour towards his ex-wife, according to court documents.
• The couple also had a long history of domestic incidents and in 2012, his ex-wife claimed, adding that she had tried to get help from a domestic violence advocacy center.
• He is still at large, as of Monday afternoon.

ICYMI: “A targeted attack”

The sheriff said that earlier in the day, Mr Wilkinson gave custody of Mr Argote’s children to his ex-partner, alluding that this may be why the judge was targeted.

However, the sheriff also said that Mr Argote was not in attendance at the court hearing.

Officials said they believe “this was a targeted attack of Judge Wilkinson.”

The Federal Bar Association’s statement on Judge Wilkinson

ICYMI: the ties between the suspected shooter and the judge

Investigators named Pedro Argote, 49, as a suspect in the killing, with court records showing he had his divorce court case presided over Mr Wilkinson the same day.

Mr Argote is not in custody and is currently considered armed and dangerous, Sheriff Brian Albert said at a press conference on Friday.

He confirmed that police believe “this was a targeted attack of Judge Wilkinson.”

The sheriff said that earlier in the day, Mr Wilkinson gave custody of Mr Argote’s children to his ex-partner, alluding that this may be why the judge was targeted. However, the sheriff also said that Mr Argote was not in attendance at the court hearing.

A message from the US Marshals Service

Law enforcement officials believe Argote is possibly operating a silver 2009 Mercedes GL 450 bearing Maryland registration 4EH0408.

Argote has ties to multiple locations beyond the state of Maryland to include Brooklyn and Long Island, New York; Tampa and Clearwater, Florida; Columbus, Indiana; and unknown cities in North Carolina.

The U.S. Marshals Service is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information that leads to Argote’s arrest. Argote should be considered armed and dangerous. Anyone with information is urged to contact the U.S. Marshals at 1-877-WANTED2 or submit tips via the USMS Tips App.

This isn’t a first for Hagerstown

On 22 December 1989, a pack of pipe bombs exploded in the third-floor apartment of Judge John Corderman, according to the Herald-Mail archives.

The attack, in Hagerstown, left Corderman with shrapnel wounds to his right hand and abdomen and partial hearing loss.

No one was ever charged in the bombing, according to a story by the outlet at the time of Corderman’s death in July 2013.

His son, Paul Corderman, is now Washington and Frederick counties state senator.

After Wilkinson’s fatal shooting, he wrote, “Our community has suffered an unimaginable tragedy. We have lost a dedicated public servant and champion for Washington County.”

“We send our deepest and most sincere condolences to the family of Judge Andrew Wilkinson. We are praying over the judicial and law enforcement community during this most difficult time,” he said.

The comptroller of Maryland gives her condolences