McKinley Cornish Convicted of Attempted First Degree Murder

WICOMICO COUNTY, MD - A 71-year-old Quantico, Maryland man has been convicted of attempting to murder his 19-year-old stepdaughter following a three-day jury trial in Wicomico County, Maryland.

McKinley Cornish was found guilty on September 17, 2025, of Attempted Murder in the First Degree, Firearm Use in a Crime of Violence, Illegal Possession of a Regulated Firearm, and related charges.

The Honorable Kathleen L. Beckstead, Chief Judge of the Circuit Court of Wicomico County, presided over the trial. Sentencing has been postponed pending a pre-sentence investigation. Cornish remains in custody.

The incident occurred on June 24, 2024, when Cornish became angry over his marriage ending. He kicked in the door to his stepdaughter's bedroom after she called 911 due to concerning statements she had overheard him make.

While the victim remained on the line with emergency services, Cornish fired a shot into the wall and threatened to shoot her next.

Despite the victim's pleas for her life, Cornish shot her approximately eight times. The bullets struck her arm, shoulder, stomach, back, and legs. The victim survived the attack.

Cornish fled the scene with the firearm and was located the following day in Franklin City, Virginia. Court records show Cornish was prohibited from possessing the firearm due to prior criminal activity.

Wicomico County State's Attorney Jamie Dykes commented on the case following the conviction. "This case illustrates how illegal firearm possession by prohibited individuals fuels preventable violence in our community. Had Cornish obeyed the law, he would not have had access to guns, would have been unable to commit these crimes, and the 19-year-old survivor would not be forced to carry the lasting impact of Cornish's violence."

State's Attorney Dykes praised the collaborative efforts of multiple agencies that responded to the incident. The Maryland State Police - Salisbury Barrack, STATE Team, and Aviation Division worked alongside the Wicomico County Sheriff's Office, West Side Fire Department, and Salisbury Fire Department to save the victim's life.

Dykes also commended the Maryland State Police Criminal Investigations Division for their investigation work, specifically recognizing Senior Trooper G. Dick, Senior Assistant State's Attorney Lauren Bourdon, and Assistant State's Attorney Darin Ruark for their efforts in the case.