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After being found guilty of attempted homicide and aggravated assault charges in connection with the shooting death of her ex-boyfriend in 2024, a former Dauphin County magistratal district judge was given a sentence of up to 30 years in prison.

At a hearing held in Dauphin County Court on Wednesday, May 28, Senior Judge Howard Knisely sentenced 55-year-old Sonya McKnight to a minimum of 13.5 years and a maximum of 30 years in prison.

McKnight was also dismissed from his position as a magisterial district judge as part of the punishment.

Knisely decided that McKnight’s sentence would include the time she had previously spent behind bars awaiting trial.

On April 9, a Delaware County jury found McKnight guilty. On February 10, 2024, she was accused of shooting her ex-boyfriend Michael McCoy in the head after he informed her that he wanted to stop their relationship.

Despite being blind in one eye, McCoy lived through the encounter. During the trial, he testified against McKnight.

Although the victim did not attend the hearing on Wednesday, they did write the court a victim impact letter.

Stephen Baltimore, McKnight’s oldest son, was one of seven witnesses who spoke on her favor on Wednesday. Among those who spoke was Stephen Baltimore, McKnight’s eldest son.

Those who spoke for McKnight highlighted her position as a mother, her community activity, and her achievements as a magistrate.

Speaking on behalf of the McCoy family, three individuals appealed for a fair sentence while also expressing forgiveness for McKnight.

According to reports, during Wednesday’s hearing, McKnight did not express regret to McCoy or his family for her behavior.

She has 30 days to appeal her sentence to Pennsylvania’s Superior Court and 10 days to submit a post-sentence request to appeal.

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