US: Hunt underway for suspect in targeted killing of Maryland judge

The U.S. Marshals Service has announced a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of Pedro Argote, the prime suspect in the targeted killing of Washington County Circuit Court Judge Andrew Wilkinson. Judge Wilkinson was fatally shot in what authorities described as a premeditated attack outside his residence. The incident occurred shortly after he awarded custody of four minor children to Argote's estranged wife.

Argote, 49, is considered armed and dangerous and has links to various locations, including Brooklyn, Long Island, Columbus, Tampa, Clearwater, and several undisclosed areas in Florida and North Carolina. The suspect is potentially driving a silver 2009 Mercedes GL 450, according to the Marshals Service.

The shooting followed a court hearing where Judge Wilkinson granted Argote's wife an absolute divorce and sole legal custody of their children, citing "cruelty of treatment" and "irreconcilable differences." The judge ordered Argote to refrain from contacting the children and barred him from entering the family home. He was also directed to pay $1,120 in monthly child support.


The Washington County Sheriff Brian K. Albert emphasized that the shooting was a direct response to the judge's custody ruling. The case is further complicated by a previous domestic violence petition filed by the wife, alleging physical abuse against one of their daughters. Despite the serious allegations, the petition was dismissed within two weeks of being filed, with reasons for the dismissal yet to be clarified.