The manhunt for the cold-blooded killer of a Maryland judge is over.
Pedro Argote stood accused of shooting Circuit Court Judge Andrew Wilkinson multiple times on Oct. 19 – hours after Wilkinson ruled against him in a child custody hearing. Wilkinson’s ruling, prohibiting Argote from communicating with his wife or children unless it was initiated by her is believed to be the motive in his slaying.
The Washington County judge also ordered Argote to pay child support and gave Argote’s ex-wife sole custody of the family home.
Argote had chosen not to attend the custody hearing. Wilkinson was found deceased on his property that evening.
ABC News reports on the conclusion of the weeklong search:
Pedro Argote, 49, allegedly killed Circuit Court Judge Andrew Wilkinson, 52, in the judge’s driveway in Hagerstown, Maryland, on Oct. 19, according to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.
Argote’s body was found on Thursday morning during a search in Williamsport, Maryland, the sheriff’s office said. The body was recovered in a heavily wooded area about 1 mile from where his car was found last week, authorities said.
Law enforcement did not announce a cause of death.
Authorities announced they were searching for Argote on Oct. 20 and said a reward up to $10,000 was available for information leading to his arrest.
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