Quantico Man Convicted of Attempted Murder of Step-Daughter

QUANTICO, Md. – A man from Quantico was convicted on Wednesday for the attempted murder of his 19-year-old step-daughter.

On Jun. 24, 2024, 71-year-old McKinley Cornish attacked his step-daughter in a fit of rage over his marriage ending. Just before the assault, the step-daughter had called 911 regarding concerning statements she overheard Cornish making. While she was still on the phone with operators, Cornish shot a firearm at the wall and threatened that he would shoot her next. Despite the step-daughter’s desperate pleas for her life, Cornish shot her
approximately eight times, hitting her in the arm, shoulder, stomach, back, and legs. Thankfully, she was able to survive the attack.

Cornish fled with the firearm and was located the following day in Franklin City, Virginia. At the time of the shooting, he was prohibited from possessing the gun because of prior criminal activity.

On Wednesday, Sept. 17, a jury convicted Cornish of first degree attempted murder, firearm use in a violent crime, illegal possession of a regulated firearm, and other related charges. This case was presided over by the Chief Judge Kathleen L. Beckstead of the Wicomico County Circuit Court.

“This case illustrates how illegal firearm possession by prohibited individuals fuels preventable violence in our community,” said Wicomico County State’s Attorney (SA), Jamie Dykes. “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.”

SA Dykes also extended her gratitude for the Maryland State Police Criminal Investigations Division for their work and diligence into the case.

Sentencing was postponed so that a pre-sentence investigation could be conducted. Cornish will remain in custody pending the sentencing in this matter.