Pennsylvania Judge Faces Prison After Shocking Conviction for Shooting Ex-Boyfriend in Jealous Rage

In a stunning and disturbing case that has gripped the nation, a Pennsylvania judge has been convicted of attempted murder after she shot her ex-boyfriend in the head while he slept, leaving him permanently blinded in one eye. Sonya McKnight, who previously served as a judge in Dauphin County, now faces decades behind bars after the jury delivered a guilty verdict on charges of attempted homicide and aggravated assault.

The shocking incident took place in February 2024, following a heated breakup. McKnight had been asked to move out of her ex-boyfriendโ€™s home after their relationship ended. Prosecutors claimed during the trial that McKnight became enraged by the breakup and shot her former partner while he was sleeping, motivated purely by jealousy.

Despite McKnightโ€™s defense team arguing that the victim could not positively identify his attacker, prosecutors presented strong circumstantial evidence. The victim testified emotionally in court, detailing that McKnight was the only other person inside the house at the time. Although he was unable to see immediately after the attack, he provided compelling testimony about the horrifying incident.

Cumberland County District Attorney Seรกn McCormack praised the victim, calling his survival a “miracle” and commending his bravery in the courtroom. “It came down to his credibility,” McCormack said, adding that justice was served by the juryโ€™s decision.

Adding complexity to the case, McKnight had previously faced controversy and legal trouble. In 2019, she shot her estranged husband during a separate domestic incident, but authorities concluded that event was an act of self-defense, resulting in no charges. Furthermore, McKnight was suspended from her judicial role without pay in November 2023 due to allegations of misconduct related to a separate incident, though she was acquitted of criminal wrongdoing in that case.

Following the recent guilty verdict, McKnightโ€™s request to be released pending sentencing was swiftly denied by the trial judge. She remains behind bars awaiting sentencing, scheduled for May 28, where she could receive up to 60 years in prison.

The trial’s outcome has sparked intense discussions about justice and accountability, especially considering McKnightโ€™s prior judicial role. Social media users expressed shock and outrage at the disturbing details of the crime, calling for strict sentencing.

As the case continues to attract nationwide attention, communities are left grappling with how someone entrusted to uphold the law could commit such a brutal act. The sentencing in May will mark the final chapter of a shocking saga that has captivatedโ€”and horrifiedโ€”the public.