In 2023, Sonya McKnight, a Pennsylvania magistrate judge, was suspended without pay due to misconduct allegations.
Her life took another turn for the worse in 2024 when her boyfriend, 55-year-old Michael McCoy, ended their relationship.
She couldn’t handle the rejection, so she waited until he went to sleep, then she shot him in the head.
As he awoke in pain, McCoy asked what he had done to himself, then she took her sweet time helping him. She took him to a bathroom farthest from his bedroom, and she stalled when he asked he to call 911.
McCoy survived, but lost vision in one eye.
McKnight was arrested for the shooting but claimed innocence. Her attorney argued at trial that he shot himself and had gunshot residue on his hand.
The jury found McKnight guilty of attempted murder and aggravated assault. She was facing 30 to 60 years in prison.
The judge sentenced her to 13.5 to 30 years in prison.
DOB:
December 11th, 1966Conviction(s):
- Attempted murder
- Aggravated assault
Date of crime:
February 10th, 2024Location(s):
Harrisburg, PADate of arrest:
UnknownDetails:
Shot her boyfriend while he slept after he dumped her.Confirmed Victim(s):
- Michael McCoy (55)
Method:
ShootingMotive(s):
He broke up with herSentence:
13.5 to 30 years in prison.Current whereabouts:
State Correctional Institution in Cambridge Springs, PASources:
N/ALast Updated on 08/04/2026
