In a shocking act of violence, Maryland State Judge Andrew Wilkinson was tragically shot dead in his own driveway on Thursday evening. A community leader, Wilkinson’s untimely death has sent shockwaves throughout Maryland, and the investigation into this heinous act is well underway.
Wilkinson, a respected associate judge for the Washington County circuit court since January 2020, was found with multiple gunshot wounds in the driveway of his Olde Waterford Road residence at around 8 p.m. Authorities promptly transported him to Meritus Medical Center in Hagerstown, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Maryland Circuit Court Judge, Andrew Wilkinson, 52 yrs-old, was shot multiple times in his driveway. He later died at the Hagerstown Hospital.
The Washington County Sheriffs Office has dispatched state troopers to protect other judges in the area.
The killer is still on the… pic.twitter.com/SE0eHguSEB
— 🇺🇸ProudArmyBrat (@leslibless) October 20, 2023
The question on everyone’s mind is who could commit such a crime and why. So far, authorities have not released any suspect descriptions or made any arrests in connection with the judge’s murder. “This continues to be an active investigation; due to the ongoing investigation, certain details will not be released,” stated the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. As of Friday morning, no suspect has been identified or taken into custody, and a potential motive, if any, is unclear.
Maryland State Police were dispatched across the state Thursday night to provide protection for other judges. This preemptive move suggests authorities are taking no chances with the safety of other legal officials in the state.
Former Maryland State Delegate Neil Parrott took to the X platform, formerly Twitter, to express his condolences and ask for prayers for Wilkinson’s family and the police officers working diligently to solve the case. “Horrible news in Washington County tonight. Judge Andrew Wilkinson was shot multiple times and has passed away. Police are actively searching for the murderer. Please pray for our police and for Judge Wilkinson’s family at this time,” wrote Parrott.
.@fox5dc has confirmed Washington County, Maryland Circuit Court Judge Andrew Wilkinson was shot and killed at his home tonight. pic.twitter.com/p0PrrCqSwq
— Kenneth Moton (@KennethMoton) October 20, 2023
Wilkinson, who was set to serve until 2035, was not just a legal figurehead but also an active community member. His roles over the years included assistant Washington County attorney, youth soccer coach, assistant baseball coach, and membership with the St. Ann Catholic Church. His absence will undoubtedly leave a significant void in the community and the legal profession in Maryland.
The loss of Judge Wilkinson is a stark reminder of the violence that can infiltrate even the most seemingly secure and stable communities. It also highlights the need for continuous vigilance and protection for public figures and officials who serve our communities and work to uphold the law.
