Isle of Wight Grandmother sentenced to more than 5 years for son-in-law’s fatal stabbing

Theresa Knightnor, a grandmother from Isle of Wight, Virginia, has been sentenced to five years and six months in prison for the voluntary manslaughter of her son-in-law, Maurice Doctor. Knightnor was initially charged with first-degree murder for stabbing Doctor in January 2022, but was convicted of the lesser charge in January 2024. The incident occurred after Doctor, who was under the influence of cocaine and alcohol, threatened to kill his 14-year-old son during an argument.

During her testimony, Knightnor stated that she grabbed a kitchen knife to defend her grandson from Doctor’s threats. However, the prosecutor, Steve Edwards, argued that the deep wounds inflicted by Knightnor, which penetrated muscle and bone, were intentional and not accidental. Despite her defense, Knightnor was sentenced to 10 years in prison, with a 4-year and 6-month suspended sentence. She will also be placed on two years of supervised probation following her release.

The case of Knightnor’s voluntary manslaughter conviction has brought attention to the concerns surrounding domestic violence and self-defense. In this instance, Knightnor’s actions were viewed as a means of protecting her grandson from harm. The incident sheds light on the complexities of family dynamics and the lengths individuals may go to in order to protect their loved ones, even if it results in tragic consequences.

The sentencing of Knightnor highlights the legal repercussions individuals may face for their actions, particularly in cases of violence and self-defense. While Knightnor’s intention may have been to protect her grandson, the severity of Doctor’s injuries led to her manslaughter conviction. The court’s decision to impose a period of incarceration and supervised probation reflects the seriousness of the incident and the need for accountability in such situations.

As the community reacts to the outcome of Knightnor’s case, it serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing conflict in a non-violent manner and seeking help when faced with dangerous and volatile situations. The tragedy that unfolded in Isle of Wight County underscores the impact of substance abuse and its role in escalating conflict within families. Moving forward, efforts to educate and support individuals in managing interpersonal disputes and seeking alternative forms of resolution may help prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.