Suspect in Maryland judge's murder has ties to several states, investigators say
HAGERSTOWN -- The manhunt is still on for the man suspected of killing a Maryland judge.
The Washington County Sheriff's Office said Pedro Argote is believed to have shot Maryland Circuit Court Judge Andrew Wilkinson Thursday night.
Since then, national and federal agencies have stepped in to help find Argote.
Over the weekend, Washington County Sheriff Brian Albert reiterated a promise that "it's just a matter of time" before Argote is found.
It came after Argote's silver Mercedes was found around 11 a.m. on Saturday in an area around Williamsport, which is near the Maryland-West Virginia state line.
Investigators searched the area all weekend.
"It's hundreds of acres in there that are within a 10-minute walk. You can be a lot of places down there," Albert said. "Especially with the canal and there's a railroad track that runs through. Then some other local roads [are there]."
But, by the weekend's end, there still was no sign of Argote.
It's not clear if investigators have gone to these places yet, but the U.S. Marshals Service said Argote has ties to New York City, Florida, North Carolina and Indiana.
Wilkinson was found shot on his driveway on Olde Waterford Road around 8 p.m. Thursday, according to the Washington County Sheriff's Office.
He was taken to Meritus Medical Center, which is where he died. His death has rocked the community.
"You wake up and you think that you're going to go to bed that night. You have a husband, now you don't," said Susan Porter, one of Wilkinson's neighbors. "You have a dad, but now you don't. I just don't understand."
Court records show Wilkinson presided over Argote's divorce case. In response to his death, there's been a statewide push to protect judges.
"There's been [a change in protocol] throughout the state on judges. Just to be a little vigilant with [their safety] in the county and the state," Albert said.
Authorities say to call 911 if you believe you see Argote, as he's considered armed and dangerous.
The U.S. Marshals Service has a $10,000 reward for information leading to Argote's arrest.
