Maryland authorities are searching for a man wanted in connection to the death of a Circuit County Judge who was shot to death on Thursday night.

Washington County Sheriff Brian Albert said during a news conference on Friday they were searching for 49-year-old Pedro Argote, who failed to show up for a Thursday morning hearing in front of Judge Andrew Wilkinson that resulted in the judge giving custody of Argote's children to his estranged wife Eugenia.

Wilkinson, 52, presided over the divorce case, Albert said. The case was first filed by Argote in June of 2022.

"This was a targeted attack on Judge Wilkinson," Albert said.

Argote may drive a silver Mercedes GL450, according to deputies. The agency is asking anyone with information to contact law enforcement.

The sheriff's office said deputies responded to a shooting around 8:00 p.m. north of Hagerstown, about 75 miles north of Baltimore. Deputies found Wilkinson, 52, in a residential driveway with a gunshot wound. Wilkinson was taken a local hospital where he died.

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Former state delegate Neil Parrott said the judge was shot multiple times.

Maryland State Police troopers were dispatched to protect other judges on Thursday night as an initial precaution, Albert said. Police do not believe there is an ongoing threat to other judges.

Wilkinson served as an associate judge for the 4th Judicial Circuit Court since January 2020.

He received his law degree in 1997 from Emory University School of Law and had experience in all levels of Maryland courts from district to the Court of Appeals. His legal experience included real estate, zoning and family law as well as civil litigation. 

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Wilkinson was a private attorney before judge

Wilkinson, a 1994 graduate of the University of North Carolina, was appointed to serve as circuit court judge by then-Gov. Larry Hogan.

Asked after his investiture ceremony about becoming a judge in his hometown, Wilkinson said, “It’s an honor and it’s humbling, and I’m happy to serve.” 

The sheriff's office plans to hold a press conference on Friday.

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