HARRISBURG, Pa. — Suspended Harrisburg district judge Sonya McKnight has been arrested and charged with attempted first-degree murder, according to newly filed court documents.
The charges stem from an incident in the early morning hours of Saturday, Feb. 10 at the victim's home on Saddle Ridge Drive in Harrisburg, according to the Cumberland County District Attorney's Office.
McKnight allegedly shot the victim in the head while he was asleep in bed. The bullet entered the right side of his head, traveled through in a straight line behind and slightly below his eyes and exited the left side of his face.
The victim survived the gunshot wound but is blind in one eye as a result.
The Cumberland County District Attorney's Office assumed jurisdiction of the investigation at the request of Dauphin County District Attorney Fran Chardo, because McKnight worked as a Magisterial District Judge in Dauphin County.
McKnight was arrested on Feb. 15 and has been charged with attempted first-degree murder and aggravated assault, according to court documents. She was reportedly unable to post her $300,000 bail and was processed at the Dauphin County Central Booking Center.
A preliminary hearing is set before President Judge Evans on Feb. 26.