Police say Md. judge killed in ‘targeted attack’
Law enforcement is searching for the alleged shooter, Pedro Argote, whose divorce case was heard by Wilkinson.
Argote was not at the hearing Thursday that was part of his divorce proceeding from his wife.
“Argote is considered armed and dangerous,” Albert said.
Authorities said deputies responded to a reported shooting around 8 p.m. in the 19100 block of Olde Waterford Road and found Wilkinson with apparent gunshot wounds.
Wilkinson, 52, was taken to Meritus Medical Center, where he died, the sheriff’s office said.
The sheriff’s office said it was searching for Pedro Argote, 49, in connection with the investigation. They said Argote may be driving a silver 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL450 with Maryland plates 4EH0408.
“Anyone with information in reference to Argote’s location is asked to not approach him but to immediately notify law enforcement,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement.
A person with the same name as the man police are searching for was involved in a year-long Washington County divorce case that included a series of hearings before Wilkinson, according to online Maryland court records. Parties in the case appeared before Wilkinson as recently as Thursday morning, the records show.
Michael Gast, an attorney who represented Argote in his divorce before terminating his representation after about six months, said Argote was a “quiet and unassuming guy” who had his own business. Gast said Wilkinson’s divorce from his wife was contested and the biggest issue was the custody of their three children.
“He was very upset about the possibility of losing his children,” Gast said.
Gast said Argote and his wife had moved to the United States from abroad, possibly from Argentina. Gast said Wilkinson’s wife was a homemaker.
Gast said he knew Wilkinson and he was popular.
“I had practiced against him when I was a lawyer,” Gast said. “Everybody liked him.”
A Maryland State Police spokesperson said that for precautionary reasons, troopers were deployed last night to protect judges residing in Washington County.
The sheriff’s office did not comment on a possible motive or release any other additional details. The office is expected to hold a news conference at 11 a.m.
Wilkinson was sworn in as a circuit judge on Jan. 10, 2020, according to his biography. He was born in Guam in 1971. He received a BA degree in economics from the University of North Carolina in 1994 and graduated from the Emory University School of Law in 1997. He was admitted to the Maryland Bar in 1997.
His family did not immediately return calls for comment.
Rep. David Trone (D-Md.), whose district includes Washington County, said he was “shocked and heartbroken” in a statement.
“This violence is horrifying to see in our community,” Trone said. “Our thoughts are with his family during this unimaginable tragedy and with law enforcement investigating this crime.”
U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.) offered his condolences in a statement, saying there is “no excuse” for for this sort of violence.
“The rule of law is what makes our society work. It may not be perfect, but individuals like Judge Wilkinson worked to make it better and more just every day,” Cardin said. “His passion clearly was for serving his local community and for this, Judge Wilkinson will be sorely missed.”
The Maryland Judiciary, the state court system, said in a statement it mourns the death of Wilkinson.
“As we grieve his loss, we ask that you keep the Wilkinson family in your prayers and please respect their privacy,” the statement read. “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.
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