Maryland man wanted for gunning down judge has New York ties

A silver Mercedes driven by the suspected killer who gunned down a Maryland judge has been found, authorities said.

The 2009 Mercedes GL 450 driven by Pedro Argote was found just outside of Hagerstown, MD, in Williamsport, about 10 miles from the crime scene, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office said Saturday.

Police are on the hunt for Argote, who is believed to be armed and dangerous and possibly headed to New York, Florida or North Carolina, the U.S. Marshals Service announced.

The Sheriff’s Office said that Argote’s car was found by residents in a remote, wooded area with numerous vacant buildings, which is taking police time to search completely.

“We’re going to catch this guy, it’s just a matter of time,” said Sheriff Brian Albert at a news conference.

Agorte’s family members in the area are cooperating with police, and protection is in place for his ex-wife and kids, said Albert, who noted, “They’re well protected.”

Argote, 49, is suspected of killing Wilkinson, 52, just hours after the judge granted custody of Argote’s children to his ex-wife in a divorce case.

Argote may have ties to Brooklyn or Long Island, authorities said.

The U.S. Marshals Service announced a $10K reward for information on Argote.