Primary Suspect in Andrew Wilkinson Murder Found Dead

Last week, Maryland Circuit Court Judge Andrew Wilkinson was found shot dead outside of his home.

The main suspect in the case was identified as Pedro Argote, 49. Argote was found dead by the police, roughly a mile away from the last known location of his vehicle.

Prior to Wilkinson being murdered, he had ruled in a case against Argote.

Found Dead

Argote was in a custody battle, having lost the decision in Wilkinson’s courtroom, with custody being granted to Argote’s wife.

Argote lost custody of his four children as well as visiting rights due to a history of domestic violence.

During the hearing, Wilkinson stated, "The manner in which Mr. Argote has isolated these children and mom over the past two years, I think that has gone on throughout the marriage, and it's shocking.

"I think he is abusive in multiple ways."

That judgment came after also hearing testimony from Argote’s daughter from a previous relationship.

She had testified that she spent the majority of her teenage years being confined to her room, with every move she made being watched by her father, literally.

According to his daughter, Argote had installed cameras throughout the house to keep an eye on her. She also testified that he regularly beat her with a belt and other objects.

Hours later, Wilkinson was shot to death.

On October 21, police located a vehicle that had been driven by Argote, a 2009 silver Mercedes, and they were offering a $10,000 reward for any information as to his whereabouts.

Police located Argote’s body in a wooded area between Clear Spring Road and Bottom Road, approximately one mile from where the suspect's vehicle was located.

Police did not disclose how Argote died.