A week after Maryland Judge Andrew Wilkinson was murdered, the main suspect in the crime, Pedro Argote, has been found dead. Authorities found his lifeless body Thursday morning.
In a statement, the Maryland Sheriff's office (Washington County), confirmed that the lifeless body found was that of Argote and that it was located near his car:
The deceased individual has been positively identified as Pedro Argote, the suspect wanted for the murder of Maryland Circuit Court Judge Andrew Wilkinson. The deceased was located in a heavily wooded area between Clear Spring Road and Bottom Road approximately 1 mile North West of where the suspect vehicle was found.
After issuing the press release, Brian K. Albert, sheriff of Washington County, made a media appearance in which he reassured Judge Wilkinson's family and the residents of the county. "We’re pretty sure you know, that obviously we got our guy. The Washington County community can breathe a little easier this afternoon. 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," he said in statements reported by NBC News.
Wilkinson was shot and killed last week. Before he was found dead, the judge had ruled against Argote, taking away custody of his four children and giving it to his ex-wife.
After the authorities learned about the court case and found Wilkinson dead, Argote became the main suspect.
