EDWARDS COUNTY, Ill. (WEVV) � Murder charges have been filed in the killing of a judge in southern Illinois.
As previously reported, authorities opened a death investigation in Edwards County, Illinois, after Judge Michael Valentine was found shot in his Albion home.
Charges were filed in connection to the judge's death on Thursday, against Megan S. Valentine.
Court documents say Megan is facing charges of murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, aggravated discharge of a firearm, and aggravated domestic battery, for shooting Michael.
Second Judicial Circuit Chief Judge Melissa Morgan released a statement on the passing of Judge Valentine:
"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. 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. He will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time."
Megan made her first court appearance in the case on Thursday, and is being booked into the Edwards County Jail. Her mugshot was not immediately available.
