A former judge in Pennsylvania, Sonia McNite, has been found guilty of attempted murder after shooting her ex-boyfriend, Michael McCoy, in the head while he slept. The shocking incident, which took place in February 2024, stemmed from McCoy’s decision to end their year-long relationship and ask McNite to move out of his home.
McCoy, who miraculously survived the attack, took the stand during the trial, recounting the harrowing events. He testified that on the night of the shooting, he returned home to find McNite lounging on his couch. After a brief discussion in which he indicated they would talk things over in the morning, he went to sleep. McCoy was awakened by excruciating pain, discovering he had been shot near his right eye.
Despite the severe injury, which left him blind in one eye and requiring ongoing medical treatment, McCoy expressed to emergency responders that he had not attempted suicide and insisted, “Save me.” McNite was the only other person in the house at the time, and her subsequent actions raised suspicions. She called 911 claiming to have heard McCoy screaming but alleged she did not know what had happened.
Investigators quickly found evidence that contradicted McNite’s account, including gunshot residue on her hands and clothes, and a gun registered in her name. In addition, surveillance footage revealed she had left the house that night, undermining her claims. After spending over a year free on bail, she was finally tried and convicted by a jury in a case that highlighted the complexities surrounding domestic violence and the judiciary’s accountability.
The prosecution argued that McNite’s actions were premeditated, citing her refusal to leave McCoy’s home after he had asked her to do so multiple times leading up to the incident. They presented a narrative of a scorned lover attempting to stage the shooting as a suicide. The defense, however, insisted that merely being the only other person present did not establish her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
During the two-day trial, the jury heard testimony from 17 witnesses, including police officers and first responders who corroborated McCoy’s account of events. The jury ultimately took only two hours to deliberate before reaching a guilty verdict on charges of attempted murder and aggravated assault.
Following the verdict, McNite’s bail was raised to $3 million due to concerns she posed a flight risk. She faces a lengthy prison sentence, with estimates ranging from 30 to 60 years. This case not only serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of domestic violence but also raises questions about the responsibilities and conduct of judges as public figures.
As the legal proceedings continue, the implications of McNite’s conviction extend beyond her personal fate. There are ongoing discussions about the impact on the numerous cases she presided over during her tenure as a judge, as well as the broader effects on the judicial system’s integrity. The case underscores a critical need for accountability within the legal profession, highlighting the reality that those in positions of authority are not immune to scrutiny or consequence when they engage in criminal behavior.