What happened to Judge Andrew Wilkinson? The Maryland circuit court judge was murdered while on his way to his home. Details about his death explored.
The debate about whether guns should be banned entirely is far from the end as crime cases involving shootings remain rampant with no immediate actions being implemented to curb it.
A report by Reuters reveals a federal judge on October 19, declared a California law banning assault weapons unconstitutional, saying the prohibition enacted in 1989 against semi-automatic weapons could not stand under a U.S. Supreme Court ruling last year that expanded gun rights.
San Diego-based U.S. District Judge Roger Benitez ruled in a challenge to the law brought by gun rights groups and others that it deprived law-abiding people of semiautomatic firearms like the AR-15 in violation of the U.S. Constitution’s Second Amendment right to “keep and bear arms.”
Weeks ago, at least five people were shot at Morgan State University after gunfire allegedly erupted through a dorm window.
Officials in Baltimore, Maryland, confirmed that there are multiple victims after a shooting took place causing the university to be put on lockdown, per a report by TheSun.
On Thursday, Andrew Wilkinson, one of Maryland’s top court judges was shot dead on his way to his home.
His tragic passing has shocked the people of Maryland as residents fear for their safety.
Here’s what we know about who Judge Andrew Wilkinson was and his death.
Who was Haggerston Judge Andrew Wilkinson?
Judge Andrew Wilkinson has a strong background in the legal justice system in a career that spans years. He has made a name for himself as one of Maryland’s top court judges.
Wilkinson, who worked at Washington County, Maryland Circuit Court, specialised in cases such as divorces and child custody battles.
Wilkinson was born between 1970 and 1971, in Agana, Guam, and was 52 years old when his family was hit with the tragic news about his passing.
After attending the University of North Carolina and Emory University School of Law, Wilkinson went on to become a judge across the US.
He joined the Maryland court in January 2020 and called it an honor to serve the county, before thanking his wife and children for their love and support.
Despite his professionalism and family man persona, his life was tragically cut short after being brutally murdered outside of his home.
What happened to Judge Andrew Wilkinson?
He was tragically killed on October 19, 2023, late at night in what is being reported as a shooting.
Washington County Sheriff Brian K. Albert said in a press release: “The victim, an adult male, was located in the driveway of a residence.
“The victim was suffering from what appeared to be gunshot wounds. He was transported to Meritus Medical Center, where he later succumbed to his injuries.”
Local politician Neil Parrott mourned the loss of the judge and said it was “horrible news”.
He said on social media that the police were searching for the suspect.
He added: “Please pray for our police that they catch this criminal quickly and stay safe in the process, and for Judge Wilkinson’s family at this time.”
Video footage has been released showing the flashing lights of cop cars and haunting crime scene tape around the judge’s property.
Maryland State Troopers were sent to other judges’ houses to protect them over fears this could set off a potential chain of violence according to ABC affiliate WJLA.
No other injuries to court officers have been reported.
Earlier in the day, Washington County Sheriff’s Sergeant Carly Host said the agency was investigating a shooting but she didn’t offer further details on the crime.
Maryland Police have since said the investigation is ongoing and more details will be released soon.
According to local media, the alleged murderer was unhappy at a ruling made at the Maryland courthouse by Wilkinson earlier that week but nothing has been confirmed yet.
Deputies plan to give an update on Wilkinson’s death at a press conference but a time for the briefing has yet to be announced.
Who shot and killed Judge Andrew Wilkinson?
At this time, authorities are still investigating Judge Andrew Wilkinson’s death. No arrests have been made as of this writing.
However, the police announced on October 20 that they were searching for 49-year-old Pedro Argote in connection to Wilkinson’s murder.
He has been accused of Wilkinson just hours after the judge signed an order that said there was to be no visitation or contact between the suspect and his children, according to Herald-Mail Media.
Argote is said to be going through a divorce, but details on the case are unclear.
Authorities believe that Argote is driving a silver 2009 Mercedes GL450 with Maryland registration plates that read 4EH0408.
He is described as being 5-foot-7 and 130 pounds with black hair and brown eyes, according to CNN.
Police said that the public should “not approach him but to immediately notify law enforcement.”
Pedro Argote has been confirmed dead, per TheSun.
The body of Argote, 49, was uncovered in a heavily wooded area in Williamsport, Maryland, about 32 miles west of Frederick, on Thursday at around 11 a.m., the Washington County Sheriff’s Office confirmed.
Argote’s body was found approximately one mile northwest of where his silver Mercedes SUV was found on Saturday afternoon.