Maryland judge shot dead in his driveway following child custody ruling: cops

A judge in Maryland was shot dead in his driveway — and authorities believe the killing was a targeted hit based on the judge's ruling in a child custody dispute, reported NBC News on Friday.

Judge Andrew Wilkinson, 52, was found dead outside his home in Hagerstown just after 8 p.m. Thursday, NBC News reported citing police.

Cops named Pedro Argote, 49, as a suspect. He had not been found by Friday afternoon.

The report said Wilkinson had granted the mother custody of Argote's children in the divorce hearing earlier the same day.

POLL: Should Trump be allowed to run for office?

Failed GOP Arizona gubernatorial candidate turned Senate candidate Kari Lake took to X in an attempt to blame the killing on President Joe Biden, and her chief Democratic opponent Rep. Ruben Gallego.

"A Maryland Judge was murdered at his home last night. My heart breaks for his family & friends," wrote Lake. "Thanks to the reckless policies of Biden & Gallego, our streets and neighborhoods simply aren’t safe anymore. It’s time to bring back Law and Order."