What was the motive for Andrew Wilkinson's murder? Suspect Pedro Argote has domestic violence protection order against him
HAGERSTOWN, MARYLAND: Pedro Argote, 49, is suspected of killing Judge Andrew Wilkinson, 52, on October 19, after losing custody of his children and being banned from the family home.
He is, at present, the subject of a massive manhunt, with law enforcement officials offering a reward of $10,000 for anyone with information that could lead to the father-of-four's capture, reported the Daily Mail.
Ex-wife of Pedro Argote accused him of child abuse
According to a court filing obtained by NBC News, Argote's ex-wife accused him of physically abusing one of the kids in 2022.
He was also accused of harassment via text messages, stalking and monitoring through security cameras, and threats to take custody of their children over false claims of neglect.
Argote's children are of the ages 12, 11, 5, and 3. The petition for a protection order was filed on June 12, 2022, in Washington County District Court.
The ex-wife, who remains unnamed, stated in the petition that there was no longer physical violence against the 11-year-old because she had intervened during the most recent episode.
"I got in the middle and told him for him to get to her he needed to hit me or kill me," she said in the petition, adding that he tried to push her away.
“I am not taking this anymore. I will protect my child.”
Argote was accused of mistreating the 11-year-old for years in the petition.
The petition also states that the ex-wife had sought help from a domestic violence advocacy center in 2012 but did not get the needed assistance. She also sought help from relatives but the accused asked them to leave their home.
The petition was dismissed two weeks after it was filed.
Lawyer for Pedro Argote's ex-wife refuses to comment
Erika Johnson, a lawyer for the ex-wife denied any comment “given the ongoing nature of the investigation,” reported NBC.
Washington County Circuit Court Judge Andrew Wilkinson was shot dead in the driveway of his Hagerstown home hours after he granted Argote's ex-wife a divorce.
According to a copy of the partial divorce judgment, Wilkinson had also ordered Argote to pay $1,120 a month in child support, in addition to banning him from contacting or visiting them.
"Our hearts ache for Judge Wilkinson’s family, and we are praying for them and for those searching for the suspect. Judge Wilkinson was a kind, caring, and compassionate individual. He will be truly missed," said Johnson.
Washington County Sheriff Brian K Albert has claimed that Argote was not in custody as of October 20 and should be considered armed and dangerous.
