John Jefferson
Left: Illinois Second Judicial Circuit Court Judge Michael J. Valentine (WEVV). Right: Megan Valentine (Illinois State Police).
The wife of an Illinois judge is charged with murder for allegedly shooting her husband to death.
Megan Valentine, 44, faces charges of murder, discharge of a firearm and domestic battery in the death of Illinois Second Judicial Circuit Court Judge Michael J. Valentine, 41, authorities said.
He was shot on Tuesday. Edwards County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to Valentine’s home in Albion at 12:15 p.m. for a welfare check. Authorities found him dead outside the residence and Megan Valentine was taken into custody, authorities said in a press release.
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Second Judicial Circuit judges issued a statement about the death.
“On behalf of all of the judges of the Second Judicial Circuit, we are shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic passing of our colleague and friend, Edwards County resident Judge Michael J. Valentine,” they said. “Judge Valentine was elected to serve as Circuit Judge in 2016 and then retained by the voters of the Second Circuit in 2022. Having formerly served as Edwards County State’s Attorney, he brought to the bench experience in law and a commitment to public service.”
“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,” the statement continued. “He will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time.”
Megan Valentine, who is being held at the White County Jail, is set to appear in court on Tuesday.
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