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Maryland State Judge Shot Dead In His Own Driveway

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Julianna Frieman Contributor
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A Maryland judge was shot dead Thursday night in the driveway of his Hagerstown home.

Andrew Wilkinson, the Washington County circuit court judge, was found with gunshot wounds at the Olde Waterford Road residence around 8 p.m., the Washington County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) said, according to ABC 7 News. First responders transported Wilkinson to Meritus Medical Center in Hagerstown, where he later died from his injuries, authorities said.

“Horrible news in Washington County tonight,” former Maryland State Delegate Neil Parrott wrote on Twitter. “It appears that Judge Andrew Wilkinson was shot multiple times and has passed away. Police are actively searching for the murderer. Please pray for our police and for Judge Wilkinson’s family at this time.”

Maryland State Police (MSP) were dispatched across the state Thursday to protect other judges, the outlet reported. An investigation is ongoing.

Pedro Argote was identified as the suspect during a news conference on Friday delivered by Sheriff Brian Albert, according to ABC News. Wilkinson reportedly granted Argote’s ex-wife custody of their children at a hearing on Thursday while presiding over his divorce proceedings, the outlet noted. (RELATED: ‘I Just Lost It’: California Judge Accused Of Murdering His Wife Allegedly Texted Staff Saying He Shot Her)

Wilkinson was an Associate Judge of the Washington County Circuit Court, 4th Judicial Circuit, since Jan. 10, 2020, according to the Maryland government website. His 15-year term was set to expire in 2035.

Wilkinson was the assistant Washington County attorney from 2006 to 2012, the outlet reported. He was also a former youth soccer coach, assistant baseball coach and a member of the St. Ann Catholic Church.