An Illinois circuit court judge was found shot to death outside his home in Albion, Illinois, and his wife now faces first-degree murder charges in connection with his death, authorities said.
Megan S. Valentine, 44, was charged with first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, aggravated discharge of a firearm, and aggravated domestic battery in the death of her husband, Illinois Second Judicial Circuit Court Judge Michael J. Valentine.
The Edwards County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call at approximately 12:14 p.m. on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at a residence in the 1100 block of County Road 600 in Albion, Illinois, located about 270 miles south of Chicago near the Kentucky border.
Upon arrival, deputies discovered Judge Valentine’s body outside the residence. Megan Valentine was taken into custody at the scene.
The Edwards County Sheriff’s Office requested the Illinois State Police to lead the investigation. After a thorough review, state police presented their findings to the Illinois State’s Attorney Appellate Prosecutor’s Office on Thursday, November 7, resulting in the formal charges against Megan Valentine.
Judge Valentine had served on the bench since 2016 when he was first elected as Circuit Judge. He won retention by voters in the Second Circuit in 2022. Before his judicial career, he served as Edwards County State’s Attorney for eight years. Born in Chicago, Valentine worked as a Chicago EMT before pursuing a career in law.
Second Judicial Circuit Chief Judge Melissa Morgan issued 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.”
Judge Valentine is survived by his parents, two children, and other family members.
As of January 3, 2025, there have been several developments in the case.
On November 8, 2024, Valentine made her initial court appearance via video, where she did not contest remaining in custody. On November 12, 2024, a subsequent video court appearance was held.
During a detention hearing on November 22, the prosecution presented evidence that Valentine had conducted online searches related to DNA on knives and firearms before the incident. They argued she posed a danger to herself and others. The defense claimed she acted in self-defense due to an allegedly abusive marriage. The court denied pretrial release, and Valentine remained in custody at the White County Jail.
On December 12, 2024, Valentine waived her right to a preliminary hearing and pleaded not guilty to all charges, including first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, aggravated discharge of a firearm, and aggravated domestic battery. Her attorney withdrew a request for a speedy trial. The court ordered that she remain in custody without pretrial release.
A status hearing is scheduled for January 7, 2025.
