Wife Arrested in Death of Circuit Judge

Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 8 agents arrested 44-year-old Megan S. Valentine of Albion, IL in connection with the fatal shooting death of her husband, Illinois Second Judicial Circuit Court Judge Michael J. Valentine, earlier this week.  Megan Valentine is charged with First Degree Murder (Class M Felony), Aggravated Battery with a Firearm (Class X Felony), Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm (Class 2 Felony), and Aggravated Domestic Battery (Class 2 Felony).

On November 5, at approximately 12:14 p.m., the Edwards County Sherriff’s Office (ECSO) responded to a residence in the 1100 block of County Road 600 in Albion.  Upon arrival, an ECSO deputy observed the body of Michael Valentine laying outside the residence.  Megan Valentine was taken into custody.  The ECSO requested ISP lead the investigation.

On November 7, after a thorough investigation, ISP agents presented their case to the Illinois State’s Attorney Appellate Prosecutor’s Office and the above-listed charges were filed.  Megan Valentine is being held at the White County jail.

No further information is being released

The charges are not evidence against the defendant, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.