Suspended Pennsylvania Judge Faces Attempted Murder Charges After Shooting Ex-Boyfriend

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania – A suspended magistrate judge in Pennsylvania is facing charges of attempted murder and aggravated assault after allegedly shooting her ex-boyfriend in the head and attempting to deceive him into believing that he shot himself. Magisterial District Judge Sonya McKnight, 57, reportedly shot Michael McCoy at his home on February 10 after he attempted to end their year-long relationship. McKnight’s arrest comes after a 911 call she made, where she claimed her boyfriend was unable to see.

According to reports, McCoy had made numerous attempts to end the relationship prior to the incident. After breaking off the relationship, he returned home to find McKnight on the couch in pajamas. Frustrated, McCoy decided to go to a local bar. Upon his return, he informed McKnight that he planned to seek assistance from her mother in convincing her to leave the home. It was at this point that McKnight allegedly realized their relationship was truly over.

McCoy went on to bed that night but woke up after experiencing intense head pain and loss of vision. In his recollection, he heard McKnight saying, “Mike, what did you do to yourself?” The police report stated that McCoy repeatedly denied shooting himself and that he is now blind in his right eye.

During the investigation, it was discovered that the weapon used in the incident was registered to McKnight. Additionally, gun residue was found on her hands just an hour after the shooting. As a result, McKnight is being held at the Dauphin County Prison with bail set at $300,000.

This is not the first time McKnight has been involved in a shooting incident. In 2019, she was cleared of charges relating to the shooting of her estranged husband, Enoch McKnight. The case was deemed an act of self-defense. However, in November, she was suspended from her role as Dauphin County Magisterial District Judge pending an investigation into allegations of misconduct filed against her in September 2023 by the Pennsylvania Judicial Conduct Board.

The current charges against McKnight are a serious matter, highlighting the alleged violence perpetrated by a person in a position of authority. The case is expected to draw attention to issues of domestic violence and the need for accountability within the judicial system. While McKnight awaits further legal proceedings, McCoy will need continued support as he recovers from his injuries and navigates the aftermath of the incident.