On Wednesday, May 28, 2025, abc27 reported that a former Dauphin County judge was sentenced for shooting her ex-boyfriend in the head.
Sonya McKnight, 58, of Harrisburg, received a prison term of 13.5 to 30 years, as determined by an out-of-county judge. The sentencing followed her conviction in April for first-degree attempted murder and aggravated assault.
The incident occurred on February 10, 2024, at a residence on Saddle Ridge Drive in Susquehanna Township. Susquehanna Township Police investigated the shooting, leading to charges against McKnight. The victim, Michael McCoy, awoke to severe head pain and testified that only he and McKnight were present in the home at the time. He denied any suicidal intent. McCoy has since lost vision in one eye and continues to recover from his injuries.
Cumberland County District Attorney Sean McCormack and First Assistant District Attorney Courtney Hair LaRue prosecuted the case.
McKnight had been suspended from her judicial position in 2023 due to multiple violations, including time theft, promoting a product on social media, and failing to appear at several court dates without explanation.
The sentencing marks the conclusion of a high-profile case that has drawn attention due to McKnight’s former role as a judge. The prosecution’s efforts and the victim’s testimony were key in securing the guilty verdict, resulting in McKnight’s lengthy prison sentence.
Source: abc27
