The murder of Maryland Judge Andrew Drew Wilkinson has brought to light a history of alleged abuse by the suspect, Pedro Argote.
The judge, who was overseeing a contentious divorce case involving Argote, was found dead with gunshot wounds in his Hagerstown driveway.
Maryland Custody Hearing Reveals Abuse Allegations
The reason behind this abhorrent deed seems to have originated from the judge’s decision to grant custody of the children to Argote’s separated spouse while also rejecting his request for visitation privileges.
During the custody hearing held just hours before the shooting, shocking allegations surfaced. The court heard chilling accounts of Argote’s abusive behavior, including an incident where he reportedly stuffed a towel into a crying baby’s mouth.
Eugenia Argote, his estranged wife, described a pattern of control and abuse in their marriage, highlighting his financial restrictions and limitations on her access to their shared vehicle. Even more disturbing were the claims made by Pedro Argote’s adult daughter from a previous relationship. She testified that he had physically assaulted her and installed surveillance cameras throughout their home to monitor her every move.
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Judge Wilkinson Expresses Concern Over Argote’s Actions
Judge Wilkinson, in a recording of the hearing obtained by The Associated Press, expressed his concern over Argote’s actions. He 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.
The tragic incident not only claimed the life of Judge Wilkinson but also left his wife and son traumatized. In a statement, Stephanie Wilkinson, the judge’s wife, expressed her gratitude for the immediate and continued response of local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, emphasizing that “words do not exist to describe the amazing person Drew was.”
Pedro Argote is currently the subject of an active manhunt, with his 2009 Mercedes found abandoned over the weekend in Williamsport. While he does not have a prior criminal record in Washington County, authorities had been called to his address for verbal domestic assaults on two occasions in recent years.
The tragic murder of Judge Wilkinson serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of domestic abuse and the urgent need for effective intervention and support for victims of such heinous acts. It is a grim illustration of the importance of taking allegations of abuse seriously and ensuring that the legal system acts to protect those in vulnerable situations.
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