Michael J. Valentine, 43, an Illinois Second Judicial Circuit Court Judge, was discovered shot to death outside his Albion, Illinois home. His wife, Megan S. Valentine, 44, has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with his death, according to law enforcement.
As well as first-degree murder, Megan Valentine is also facing charges of aggravated battery with a firearm, aggravated discharge of a firearm, and aggravated domestic battery in relation to the death of Judge Valentine.
The Edwards County Sheriff’s Office received a call and responded at around 12:14 p.m. on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. The incident took place at a residence in the 1100 block of County Road 600 in Albion, Illinois, a town situated approximately 270 miles south of Chicago, near the Kentucky border.
Upon their arrival, deputies found Judge Valentine’s body outside the house and subsequently took Megan Valentine into their custody at the scene.
The Edwards County Sheriff’s Office handed over the case to the Illinois State Police for investigation. After a comprehensive examination, on Thursday, November 7, state police delivered their findings to the Illinois State’s Attorney Appellate Prosecutor’s Office, which led to the official charges against Megan Valentine.
Judge Valentine became a Circuit Judge in 2016 and was reelected by voters in the Second Circuit in 2022. Before becoming a judge, he served as Edwards County State’s Attorney for eight years. A Chicago native, Valentine initially worked as a Chicago EMT before transitioning to a career in law.
In a statement about Judge Valentine’s passing, Second Judicial Circuit Chief Judge Melissa Morgan said: “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 leaves behind parents, two children, and other family members.
As of January 3, 2025, the case has seen several updates.
On November 8, 2024, Valentine appeared in court for the first time through a video link, where she did not oppose her continued detention. Another video court session took place on November 12, 2024.
During a detention hearing on November 22, the prosecution presented evidence that Valentine had performed online searches related to DNA on knives and guns prior to the incident. They maintained that she was a threat to herself and others. Meanwhile, the defense argued that she was acting in self-defense due to an allegedly abusive marriage. The court rejected her request for pretrial release, and Valentine continued to be held at the White County Jail.
On December 12, 2024, Valentine waived her right to a preliminary hearing and entered a not guilty plea to all charges, which included first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, aggravated discharge of a firearm, and aggravated domestic battery. Her lawyer retracted a request for a speedy trial. The court mandated that she stay in custody without the possibility of pretrial release.
A status hearing is set for January 7, 2025.