Pedro Argote, man who allegedly killed Maryland judge Andrew Wilkinson, found dead: Officials

The man who allegedly centered and gunned down the Maryland judge who oversaw his divorce lawsuits has been found lifeless following a one-week manhunt, government mentioned.

Pedro Argote, 49, allegedly killed Circuit Court Judge Andrew Wilkinson, 52, within the judge’s driveway in Hagerstown, Maryland, on Oct. 19, in keeping with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.

Argote’s frame used to be found on Thursday morning all the way through a seek in Williamsport, Maryland, the sheriff’s workplace mentioned. The frame used to be recovered in a closely wooded space about 1 mile from the place his automotive used to be found final week, government mentioned.

Washington County Sheriff Brian Albert mentioned the motive and time of loss of life are unknown till an post-mortem is finished.

Authorities introduced they have been in search of Argote on Oct. 20 and mentioned a praise as much as $10,000 used to be to be had for information resulting in his arrest.

Wilkinson used to be presiding over Argote’s divorce lawsuits, in keeping with Albert. Argote’s ex-wife used to be granted custody at a listening to previous within the day on Oct. 19, which is assumed to be the purpose for the capturing that evening, Albert mentioned.

Wilkinson additionally ordered Argote to pay kid toughen, prohibited Argote from visiting or contacting his youngsters or spouse if it used to be no longer initiated by way of her, and gave his spouse sole ownership of the circle of relatives house, in keeping with courtroom paperwork acquired by way of ABC News.

The sherif mentioned discovering Argote is a “relief,” however it is “still a tragedy.”

“We just came from Judge Wilkinson’s viewing, met with the family. They were very appreciative. It brings a little bit of closure to them, but it’s still a tragedy. They lost a husband, father and a brother,” the sheriff mentioned.

ABC News’ Noah Minnie contributed to this document.