Ex-Judge Shoots Sleeping Boyfriend in the Head — You Won’t Believe What She Did Before!
Once a trusted figure in her community, former Judge Sonya McKnight has been found guilty of attempted murder after shooting her boyfriend, Michael McCoy, in the head while he slept peacefully in his bed. And this isn’t the first time she’s pulled the trigger on someone she once loved.
From the Bench to a Jail Cell
McKnight, 58, had served as a Magisterial District Judge in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. People came to her courtroom expecting fairness, integrity, and strength. But behind closed doors, something darker was brewing.
Prosecutors say that after McCoy ended their relationship and asked her to move out, McKnight simply refused to go. On the night of the shooting in February 2024, McCoy returned home from work to find her still there. Tired and emotionally drained, he told her he’d call her mother for help getting her to leave.
That was the last thing he remembered before falling asleep.
Hours later, a single gunshot rang out. McCoy woke up in agony — a bullet had torn through his head. Somehow, he survived, but the injuries were devastating: permanent facial trauma, loss of sight in one eye, and the unshakable trauma of being attacked by someone he once loved.
A Pattern of Violence
This wasn’t the first time McKnight had pulled a gun on a loved one. Back in 2019, she shot her husband in the groin during a fight. That case never went to trial — it was ruled self-defense. But in light of this new conviction, that moment feels a lot more chilling.
During her recent trial, McKnight claimed she didn’t remember shooting McCoy. But investigators said otherwise. Her hands had gunshot residue. The gun was hers. The shot was fired from less than a foot away.
Her defense unraveled, and so did the image of a respected judge.
Guilty Verdict, Heavy Sentence Awaits
A jury saw through her version of events. After just a few hours of deliberation, they returned with a guilty verdict on charges of attempted murder and aggravated assault.
McKnight was taken into custody immediately, her bail set at $3 million. She now awaits sentencing — and could spend decades in prison. Her formal sentencing is scheduled for May 28.
A Survivor Left to Pick Up the Pieces
Michael McCoy is lucky to be alive. But his life is forever changed.
He’s spoken out about the emotional toll this has taken. Not only did he nearly die — he had to endure the horror of knowing that someone he cared about tried to end his life while he was most vulnerable.
This isn’t just a headline — it’s the painful unraveling of lives, love, and trust. A story where the person meant to uphold justice became the one needing it most.
Pulkeet Gupta is a dedicated content writer specializing in the field of education and entertainment niche. With a passion for learning and a keen interest in sharing knowledge, Pulkeet has established himself as a prominent figure in the education and entertainment writing community.
