A Pennsylvania magistrate judge, Sonya McKnight, has been convicted of attempted homicide and aggravated assault charges.
The shooting occurred on February 10, 2024, at her ex-boyfriend’s home. McKnight had lived there since their relationship ended, but Michael McCoy repeatedly asked her to leave, according to WHP-TV News.
McCoy stated that the last thing he heard McKnight say before the shooting was, “Oh, so you’re serious,” concerning his requests for McKnight to move out, according to the news outlet.
Prosecutors argued that McKnight was a jealous partner. Meanwhile, the defense attorney argued that the ex-boyfriend couldn’t identify the shooter. After the shooting, he woke up with a massive headache, leaving McCoy blind in one eye.
The jury deliberated for two hours before convicting McKnight on both counts. Her conviction begins on May 28th, in which she faces 60 years in prison.
McKnight, an elected judge since 2016, was suspended without pay in November 2023 due to misconduct allegations against her.
Prior to the attempted murder case, she was acquitted of criminal charges involving a 2020 traffic stop involving her son and wasn’t charged for shooting her estranged husband in 2019 after inviting him to assist with moving furniture, citing self-defense.