Michael J. Valentine, an Illinois Second Judicial Circuit Court Judge, was tragically found dead from a gunshot wound outside his Albion, Illinois home. His wife, Megan S. Valentine, 44, is now facing charges including first-degree murder in relation to the death, according to authorities.
In addition to first-degree murder, Megan Valentine has been charged with aggravated battery with a firearm, aggravated discharge of a firearm, and aggravated domestic battery in connection with her husband’s death, Circuit Court Judge Michael J. Valentine.
The incident happened when the Edwards County Sheriff’s Office received a call around 12:14 p.m. on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. The call directed them to 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.
When deputies arrived at the scene, they found the body of Judge Valentine outside his home. Megan Valentine was arrested at the scene.
The Edwards County Sheriff’s Office asked the Illinois State Police to take over the investigation. After a comprehensive review, the state police submitted their findings to the Illinois State’s Attorney Appellate Prosecutor’s Office on Thursday, November 7. This submission led to the formal charges filed against Megan Valentine.
Judge Valentine began his tenure on the bench in 2016 and had been retained by voters of the Second Circuit in 2022. Prior to his time as a judge, he served as the Edwards County State’s Attorney for eight years. A Chicago native, Valentine initially worked as an EMT in the city before transitioning into a legal career.
In the wake of Judge Valentine’s death, Second Judicial Circuit Chief Judge Melissa Morgan commented: “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.
