HAGERSTOWN, MARYLAND: The Washington County Sheriff's Office has confirmed that the Washington County Circuit Court Judge Andrew F Wilkinson was murdered Thursday evening.
According to a news release issued around 12.30 am on Friday from the Sheriff's Office, deputies responded at around 8 pm on October 19, reaching the 19100 block of Olde Waterford Road, north of Hagerstown, for a reported shooting.
Judge Wilkinson, 52, was found in a residential driveway suffering from what appeared to be gunshot wounds, the release states.
He was rushed to Meritus Medical Center near Hagerstown, where he was later pronounced dead, authorities said.
The Sheriff’s Office hasn’t yet reported any arrests or released any suspect description for what has been described as a homicide. A motive for the shooting has not been released either.
Sgt Carly Hose, spokesperson for the Sheriff's Office, said this is an active investigation and further details will be disclosed in a news conference which is anticipated to be on Friday.
According to reports from ABC 7 News, Maryland state troopers have been dispatched to the homes of other judges to provide protection.
Additionally, Maryland State Police have also been assisting the Sheriff's Office in this ongoing investigation.
Who was Judge Andrew F Wilkinson?
Judge Andrew Wilkinson had been serving as an associate circuit court judge in Washington County since 2020. He was a husband and father.
Born in Guam in 1971, Wilkinson graduated from the University of North Carolina in 1994 with a Bachelor's degree in economics. Thereafter he received his law degree from Emory University School of Law in 1997.
After law school, Wilkinson became a law clerk at the local circuit court for Judge Frederick C Wright III and Judges John H McDowell, W Kennedy Boone, and Donald E Beachley.
Before taking the bench, Wilkinson had a solo practice as a private attorney. Before that, he served as an assistant county attorney in Washington County from 2006 to 2012.
He also served as a member of the State Board of Law Examiners' Character Committee from 2006 to 2019.
He was sworn in as a circuit court judge on January 10, 2020, after being appointed by then-Governor, Larry Hogan.
When asked about becoming a judge in his hometown, Wilkinson said, “It’s an honor and it’s humbling, and I’m happy to serve.”
Wilkinson said he wanted to become a judge to serve the community.
He was one of six current circuit court judges in Washington County.
His legal experience comprised real estate, zoning, family law, and civil litigation.
Reactions to Judge Andrew F Wilkinson's death from compatriots
Former Washington County representative Neil Parrott wrote on X, “Horrible news in Washington County tonight. It appears that Judge Andrew Wilkinson was shot multiple times and has passed away.”
He added, “Police are actively searching for the murderer. Please pray for our police and for Judge Wilkinson's family at this time.”
Administrative Judge Brett R Wilson, Andrew’s colleague, told the New York Times, “We are a courthouse of six judges, we all know each other very well.”
Wilkinson’s profile on the County court's website also highlighted his work as a Little League baseball and youth soccer coach, along with his social and active participation in the community at his local church.
