Domestic violence: Judge faces 60 years prison in fatal shooting of ex boyfriend

Pennsylvania judge, Sonya McKnight, has been convicted of attempted homicide on Wednesday April 9, 2025, after shooting her ex-boyfriend in the head.

The incident which occurred in February 2024 at the victim’s home, where McKnight previously lived during their relationship.

According to reports, the shooting happened following a breakup that McKnight refused to accept.

Prosecutors argued that McKnight, who served as a judge in Dauphin County since 2016, had repeatedly been asked by the victim to leave his home after their relationship ended.

However, McKnight refused to leave, and in the early hours of the morning, she shot the victim in the head while he lay sleeping in bed.

Authorities said the victim, who survived the attack, could not identify the shooter due to blindness caused by the gunshot.

He confirmed that McKnight was the only person in the house at the time.

McKnight’s defense attorney contended that the victim could not remember who shot him, but the prosecution stressed that McKnight was the only person present when the shooting occurred and suggested her jealousy led to the act.

After deliberating for two hours, the jury found McKnight guilty.

The judge ordered McKnight into custody immediately.

McKnight now faces up to 60 years in prison.

Her sentencing is set for May 28, 2025.

The case has raised concerns about the behavior and accountability of public officials, especially those in the judiciary.

Along with her conviction, McKnight has faced other legal challenges.

In November 2023, the Court of Judicial Discipline suspended her without pay for misconduct related to a 2020 traffic stop involving her son.

In 2019, McKnight shot her estranged husband after inviting him to help her move furniture.

Prosecutors ruled the shooting was self-defense and filed no charges.

McKnight’s fall from the bench highlights growing concerns around judicial accountability in the U.S.

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