The father accused of fatally shooting a judge in his driveway after losing custody of his children “was controlling toward his estranged wife and violent toward his daughter.”
Pedro Argote, 49, is the subject of a massive manhunt following the murder of Judge Andrew Wilkinson, 52, Thursday evening in Hagerstown, Maryland.
Police have now offered a $10,000 reward for anyone with information that could lead to the father-of-four’s arrest.
He is suspected of shooting Wilkinson after he lost custody of his children and was banished from the family home by the judge presiding over his case.
It has now emerged that the fugitive was the subject of a petition for a Domestic Violence Protection Order in June 2022, which was granted temporarily, court documents allege.
49-year-old Pedro Argote is at large after Thursday’s fatal shooting of Judge Andrew Wilkinson in Maryland
Judge Andrew Wilkinson, 52, of Maryland (pictured with his wife Stephanie during his swearing-in in 2020) was shot and killed in his driveway while his family was in the house
Argote’s wife claimed she was forced to intervene in a terrifying incident when he became violent towards their daughter in October 2020.
“I got in the middle and told him to get to her, he had to hit me or kill me,” she wrote in the petition. Daily record reports.
She also alleged financial abuse, claiming he restricted her movement by keeping the family car keys in his possession at all times.
“I can’t leave the house without his knowledge,” she wrote, “I need help, physical violence is not the only form of violence.”
She added that she called a domestic violence shelter in 2012 but did not get enough help to leave.
She also explained how she managed to save $2,800 on the couple’s food truck business, only to have it confiscated by Argote.
“I have been trying to get out of this relationship for a long time, but for fear that he will try to get custody of the children,” she said in the petition.
It has since emerged that Argote’s estranged wife has filed for domestic violence protection against her husband over allegations that he tried to become violent with their daughter and otherwise abused his wife.
Prior to the shooting, Argote had lost custody of his four children and was denied access to his wife’s home by Wilkinson, who presided over the case.
A temporary protective order was issued, but Argote’s wife decided to deny her request when the couple came to an arrangement to live separately.
Prior to the petition, the couple lived on different floors of the family home, an arrangement that Wilkinson said was unusual, but which Argote reportedly suggested to try to save money while the divorce was pending.
Sheriff Albert confirmed that police had visited Argote’s home twice in the past two years for “verbal domestic violence,” but that he had no prior criminal record in Washington County.
A poster issued by the U.S. Marshals states that agents believe Argote is “armed and dangerous.”
Investigators confirmed that the firearm used in the shooting was legally obtained.
Argote was spotted in a creepy Facebook review he praised a gun shop for giving him “fun and dynamic” training and making him “more confident” with a firearm.
Argote was still at large on Friday evening. He is described as 6 feet tall, 130 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes, and may be driving a silver 2009 Mercedes GL450, with Maryland license plates 4EH0408.
Hours before the shooting occurred, Argote was also ordered to pay child support of $1,120 per month for the four children he shares with his wife, whom he was also banned from seeing.
In his judgment on Thursday, Wilkinson ruled that Argote’s wife will have ‘the exclusive use and possession of the family home’, and that he should not enter the property.
Argote was also ordered to pay child support of $1,120 per month for their four children.
Police are now offering a $10,000 reward for information on Argote’s whereabouts while the fugitive was still at large on Friday evening.
Wilkinson’s wife and son were both at their home in Hagerstown at the time of the shooting.
The judge was taken to hospital with gunshot wounds, but later succumbed to his injuries.
Floral tributes have been paid to the respected judge since his murder, with his courthouse flag flying at half-mast today.
In a statement after the shooting, the Maryland Judiciary said Wilkinson’s death was a “tragic loss.”
“As we mourn his loss, we ask that you keep the Wilkinson family in your prayers and respect their privacy,” the statement said.
“The Maryland Judiciary is actively engaged with law enforcement to assist in resolving this matter and ensuring the safety of our judges, staff and visitors, which remains our top priority.”
U.S. Senator Ben Cardin offered his condolences to the family, friends and everyone involved in his public service.
Wilkinson was shot in the driveway outside his home in Hagerstown, Washington, around 8 p.m., hours after ruling in a divorce case involving his alleged killer.
“No one should have to endure the pain of having a loved one taken away in such a way,” Cardin continued in a statement.
“There is no excuse for this kind of violence, especially against an officer of the court. The rule of law is what makes our society function. It may not be perfect, but individuals like Judge Wilkinson have worked every day to make it better and more just.
“His passion was clearly for serving the local community and therefore Judge Wilkinson will be sorely missed.”
Maryland Congressman David Trone said he was “shocked and heartbroken” by the killing, adding, “This violence is horrific to see in our community. Our thoughts are with his family during this unimaginable tragedy and with the police investigating this crime.”