Judge Andrew Wilkinson, one of Maryland’s top circuit court judges, was married and had children before he was fatally shot dead. Details about his family explored.
US Circuit Judge Andrew Wilkinson, 52, was shot dead in the driveway of his home north of Hagerstown on the evening of October 19, 2023.
He was rushed to hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after arriving.
Pedro Argote, 49, is currently the subject of a huge manhunt in Hagerstown, Maryland, in connection with the judge’s murder.
Wilkinson had presided over a divorce hearing between Argote and his estranged wife in which the judge awarded full custody of their four children to his partner, with no rights to visitation or contact for Argote.
Following the judge’s painful death, many want to know more about his family, especially, his bereaved wife and children. Here’s everything we know.
Who is Judge Andrew Wilkinson’s wife?
Away from his busy schedule as a member of the US legal justice system, Judge Andrew Wilkinson was a married man.
At the moment details about his wife; including her name, age, profession, educational background, family, and more are unknown.
And despite Wilkinson and his spouse’s love story not being publicly known, the couple were married for roughly five years.
The late judge lived in his home in Hagerstown, Maryland, United States with his wife and their offspring.
The longtime partner of the judge, who had specialised in cases such as divorces and child custody battles, has not issued any statement following her husband’s death.
How many children did Judge Andrew Wilkinson have?
Before Judge Andrew Wilkinson was fatally shot dead at age 52, he was a father.
He reportedly had one child, a son whose name, age, educational background, and further personal details are unknown at the moment.
During Friday’s press conference, Washington County Sheriff Brian Albert said that Wilkinson’s wife and son were inside their home at the time of the fatal shooting.
What happened to Judge Andrew Wilkinson?
On October 19, Maryland police responded to a shooting north of Hagerstown around 8 p.m.
Upon arrival, they found Judge Andrew Wilkinson. He had been shot multiple times, according to USA Today.
Wilkinson was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment but later died.
At the time, the Emory University School of Law alum had been served as an associate judge for the 4th Judicial Circuit Court, a position he began in January 2020.
“Drew was an exceptional lawyer and a man who loved his family,” his former law partner Jason Divelbiss said in a statement, via CNN.
“His wife and kids were always his highest priority and my thoughts go out to them at this horrible time. Drew was also very close with his brother and the office always filled with laughter when he dropped by,” Divelbiss continued.
“One of Drew’s greatest assets was his ability to bring stability to the most difficult situations which is what made him a great attorney, mediator, and eventually judge.”
Brian K. Albert from Washington County Sheriff 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.
His suspected killer, 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, October 26, 2023, 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.