On Thursday, August 8, 2024, The Burg reported that a hearing was held in Dauphin County Courthouse regarding suspended Harrisburg Magisterial District Judge Sonya McKnight, who is facing charges for allegedly shooting her ex-boyfriend Michael McCoy.
At the habeas corpus hearing, McKnight’s defense attorney Cory Leshner argued that the prosecution’s evidence against his client was insufficient to bring the case to trial. McKnight has been charged with attempted first-degree murder and aggravated assault for shooting McCoy in the head while he was sleeping at his home in February 2024.
During the preliminary hearing in March, the presiding judge found the case presented by the Cumberland County District Attorney’s office to be weak based on the evidence provided. However, District Attorney Sean McCormack maintained that the minimum evidence required was presented.
At Thursday’s hearing, First Assistant DA Cortney Hair LaRue called the lead investigator on the case, Susquehanna Township Police Detective Lee Tarasi, to testify. Tarasi informed the court that gunshot residue tests conducted on both McKnight and McCoy came back positive. She also reiterated statements reportedly made by McKnight that she saw no signs of depression in McCoy prior to the shooting and that only the two of them were home at the time.
Under cross-examination from Leshner, Tarasi acknowledged not personally reviewing the gunshot residue analysis report. Leshner also questioned why one of Tarasi’s reports termed McKnight’s interview as “deceptive,” though the detective provided no specific reasons for that characterization beyond her law enforcement experience.
After the hearing, Leshner maintained to reporters that the evidence against his client was still “tenuous” and insufficient for the case to proceed.
Both sides will now submit briefs to the judge within 30 days, who will then rule on whether to dismiss the charges against McKnight.
Source: The Burg
