Maryland judge shot in 'targeted attack' after custody ruling

Authorities are searching for a man wanted in connection with the shooting death of a Maryland judge Thursday night.

Washington County Sheriff Brian Albert said during a news conference Friday law enforcement was searching for 49-year-old Pedro Argote, who failed to show up for a Thursday morning hearing before Circuit Court Judge Andrew Wilkinson that resulted in the judge giving custody of Argote's four children to his estranged wife.

Wilkinson, 52, presided over the divorce case, Albert said, which was filed by Argote against his wife in June 2022.

"This was a targeted attack on Judge Wilkinson," Albert said.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2023/10/20/hagerstown-maryland-shooting-andrew-wilkinson/71251821007/