A Shocking Crime
Wow! Confirmed, MD Judge shot and killed in his home. Sheriff’s “investigating a Thursday night attack.” https://t.co/0JRnTnmbsS https://t.co/28NLB63OYq
— T.J. Smith (@TJSmithSocial) October 20, 2023
A Maryland judge was killed with what appeared to be fatal gunshot wounds in the driveway at his home Thursday evening, in what has been called a homicide by local authorities. Judge Andrew Wilkinson, 52, was an associate judge for the Washington County Circuit Court since January 2020. He was found suffering from gunshot wounds in a driveway of a residential area of the northern Maryland city of Hagerstown, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office said. Deputies responded around 8 p.m. after receiving reports of a shooting, the sheriff’s office said. Wilkinson was taken to a local medical facility where he later died, according to the sheriff’s office.
A Well-Liked and Respected Judge Andrew Wilkinson
Wilkinson was born in Agana, Guam, and graduated from the University of Maryland School of Law in 1995. He served as an assistant state’s attorney for Washington County from 1996 to 2019, before being appointed as a circuit court judge by Governor Larry Hogan. He was known for his professionalism, integrity, and compassion in his judicial duties. Neil C. Parrott, a former delegate in the Maryland House of Delegates, mourned Wilkinson as a well-liked and respected member of the community with “a contagious smile”. “Judge Wilkinson was an exceptional judge and was a pillar in our community,” Parrott said in a statement. “The events tonight are catastrophic for Washington County, for Maryland, and for our justice system. Judge Wilkinson served faithfully and will be severely missed.”
A Mystery Killer
The motive and the identity of the killer remain unknown as of Friday morning. The investigation is ongoing and the sheriff’s office plans to hold a news conference to share more details, though it is unclear when the conference will be held. Maryland state troopers have been dispatched to the homes of other judges to provide protection, according to ABC 7 News. The Maryland Judiciary issued a statement expressing its condolences and asking for privacy for Wilkinson’s family. “We are deeply saddened by the tragic death of Judge Andrew Wilkinson,” the statement read. “He was a dedicated public servant who served the people of Washington County with honor and distinction. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and colleagues at this difficult time.”
FAQs
Q: Who was the victim of the shooting?
A: The victim was Judge Andrew Wilkinson, a circuit court judge in Washington County, Maryland.
Q: When and where did the shooting happen?
A: The shooting happened on Thursday night, October 19, 2023, around 8 p.m. in the driveway of a residence on the 19100 block of Olde Waterford Road in Hagerstown, Maryland.
Q: Who is the suspect and what is the motive?
A: The suspect and the motive are still unknown as of Friday morning. The sheriff’s office is conducting an active homicide investigation and plans to hold a news conference to share more details.
Q: How long had Judge Wilkinson served in the judiciary?
A: Judge Wilkinson had served in Washington County’s 4th Judicial Circuit since January 10, 2020, according to his bio.
Q: What are the reactions and responses to Judge Wilkinson’s death?
A: State Delegate Neil Parrott expressed his condolences and asked for prayers for Judge Wilkinson’s family and the police on X. The Maryland Judiciary issued a statement saying that Judge Wilkinson was a dedicated public servant who served with honor and distinction. Maryland state troopers have been dispatched to the homes of other judges to provide protection.
