An Illinois Second Judicial Circuit Court Judge was discovered shot to death outside his Albion, Illinois, residence, leading to his wife being charged with first-degree murder, according to authorities.
Megan S. Valentine, 44, faces charges of first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, aggravated discharge of a firearm, and aggravated domestic battery, following the death of her husband, Judge Michael J. Valentine.
The Edwards County Sheriff’s Office received a distress call at around 12:14 p.m. on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. The call led them to a home on the 1100 block of County Road 600 in Albion, Illinois, a town roughly 270 miles south of Chicago, near the Kentucky border.
Deputies discovered Judge Valentine’s body outside his home upon their arrival. Megan Valentine was apprehended on-site.
In response to the incident, the Edwards County Sheriff’s Office requested the Illinois State Police to spearhead the investigation. After extensive scrutiny, the state police submitted their findings to the Illinois State’s Attorney Appellate Prosecutor’s Office on Thursday, November 7, leading to the official charges against Megan Valentine.
Having served on the bench since 2016, Judge Valentine was retained by voters in the Second Circuit in 2022. Previously, he acted as the Edwards County State’s Attorney for eight years. A Chicago native, Valentine initially worked as an EMT in Chicago before transitioning to the legal field.
Second Judicial Circuit Chief Judge Melissa Morgan shared a statement regarding Valentine’s death: “Judge Valentine was a distinguished jurist who was determined in the pursuit of justice and his compassion and conduct earned him the confidence and respect of the people who appeared before him.”
Currently, Megan Valentine is detained at the White County Jail in Carmi, Illinois. Her next court date is set for November 12. Whether she has entered a plea or secured legal counsel remains unknown.
Judge Valentine leaves behind his parents, two children, and several other family members.