Former Judge Sentenced Up to 30 Years for Attempted Homicide in Estranged Boyfriend's Shooting

 

A former Dauphin County magisterial district judge, Sonya McKnight, has been sentenced to a significant prison term after her conviction on charges of attempted homicide and aggravated assault. The 55-year-old was handed a sentence of no less than 13.5 years and no more than 30 years in state prison at a hearing before Senior Judge Howard Knisely in Dauphin County Court on Wednesday, May 28, 2025.

The sentencing also included McKnight's formal removal from her position as a magisterial district judge. The judge ruled that the time McKnight has already spent in prison while awaiting trial will count toward her sentence.

McKnight's conviction by a Delaware County jury on April 9 stemmed from a shocking incident on February 10, 2024. She was charged with shooting her estranged boyfriend, Michael McCoy, in the head after he informed her he wished to end their relationship.

Miraculously, McCoy survived the horrific encounter, although he was left permanently blind in one eye. He bravely testified against McKnight during her trial, providing crucial evidence. While McCoy was not present at Wednesday's sentencing hearing, he submitted a powerful victim impact letter to the court.

During the hearing, seven individuals, including McKnight's eldest son, Stephen Baltimore, testified on her behalf. They highlighted her accomplishments as a judge, her community activism, and her role as a mother. Conversely, three people spoke on behalf of the McCoy family. While they expressed forgiveness for McKnight, they also advocated for a reasonable sentence to reflect the gravity of her actions.

Notably, McKnight reportedly did not offer an apology to McCoy or his family for her actions during the hearing.

McKnight now has a 10-day window to file a post-sentence motion to appeal, and 30 days to appeal her sentence to Pennsylvania's Superior Court. The legal proceedings continue for the former judicial figure, whose case has drawn considerable attention for its tragic circumstances.