Man Sentenced to Fifty Years for Attempted Murder of Stepdaughter
Wicomico County, MD - A Quantico man has been sentenced to fifty years in prison for the attempted first-degree murder of his stepdaughter.
On November 6, 2025, McKinley Cornish, 71, was sentenced in the Circuit Court for Wicomico County. The sentence, delivered by Chief Judge Kathleen L. Beckstead, followed a three-day jury trial in September where Cornish was convicted of Attempted Murder in the First Degree, Firearm Use in a Crime of Violence, and Illegal Possession of a Regulated Firearm, among other charges.
The conviction stems from an incident on June 24, 2024. According to court records, Cornish, upset about the end of his marriage, kicked in the bedroom door of his 19-year-old stepdaughter. The victim had just called 911 to report concerning statements she had overheard.
While she was on the phone with the dispatcher, Cornish fired a shot into the wall and threatened to shoot her next. He then shot her approximately eight times in the arm, shoulder, stomach, and legs.
The victim survived the attack. Cornish fled the scene with the firearm and was apprehended the next day in Franklin City, Virginia. Due to prior criminal activity, Cornish was legally prohibited from possessing a gun.
Wicomico County State's Attorney Jamie Dykes commented on the sentencing. "The victim will forever be scarred by Cornish's actions but should never have to fear for her safety again. A firm sentence like the one imposed in this case shows the community that gun violence, particularly by those who are prohibited from possession of firearms, will not be tolerated in Wicomico County."
State's Attorney Dykes also commended the various agencies involved in saving the victim's life and investigating the case. She acknowledged the efforts of the Maryland State Police - Salisbury Barrack, STATE Team, and Aviation Division; the Wicomico County Sheriff's Office; the West Side Fire Department; and the Salisbury Fire Department. Dykes also praised Senior Trooper G. Dick for his work on the investigation, and Senior Assistant State's Attorney Lauren Bourdon and Assistant State's Attorney Darin Ruark for their advocacy in the case.
