Harrisburg, Pennsylvania – A judge in Pennsylvania is facing charges of first-degree attempted murder and aggravated assault after allegedly shooting her ex-boyfriend in the head while he slept. The incident occurred on February 9 at a home in Harrisburg, according to a case affidavit. The victim, Michael McCoy, had attempted to end his one-year relationship with Magisterial District Judge Sonya McKnight.
McCoy had made multiple attempts to get McKnight to move out following the end of their relationship. On the night of the incident, he returned home from a restaurant and informed McKnight that he planned to seek help from her mother to ensure she moved out. It was at this point that McCoy believes she finally understood that the relationship was over.
McCoy retired to bed at approximately 11 p.m. and was suddenly awakened by intense head pain. He immediately began screaming and panicking. McKnight, hearing the commotion, rushed to his room and asked what had happened. She then called 911 to report McCoy’s injury but was unable to provide an explanation for what had occurred.
Doctors later determined that McCoy had sustained a gunshot wound to his right temple, which exited through his left temple. The injury has left him blind in one eye. Police discovered physical evidence suggesting that McCoy was shot from approximately a foot away and found gunshot residue on McKnight’s hands within an hour of the shooting. Consequently, McKnight was arrested on February 15 and charged with attempted first-degree murder and aggravated assault.
McKnight, who has held the position of an elected judge in Dauphin County since 2016, has been suspended from her duties. Prior to this incident, she had also faced suspension without pay due to misconduct allegations. As of Friday, McKnight remains in custody at Dauphin County Prison, and her bail has been set at $300,000.
The shocking case of a judge allegedly committing such a heinous act has raised concerns about the integrity of the judicial system. This incident will undoubtedly be closely monitored, as it involves a public figure who held a position of authority and trust within the community. The outcome of this investigation and trial will have significant implications not only for the individuals involved but also for public perceptions of the justice system in Dauphin County.