Illinois judge found dead outside of home, wife charged with murder in his fatal shooting

The wife of an Illinois judge, Megan Valentine, was arrested and charged with fatally shooting her husband, Judge Michael J. Valentine. She is facing several charges including first degree murder, aggravated discharge of a firearm, and aggravated battery with a firearm. The Edwards County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene where Judge Valentine’s body was found outside of their home. Illinois State Police led the investigation and presented their findings to the State’s Attorney Appellate Prosecutor’s Office, resulting in charges against Megan. The judges of the Second Judicial Court expressed shock and sadness over Judge Valentine’s death, remembering him as a respected and compassionate jurist. Megan Valentine is currently being held in White County Jail, and it is unclear if she has legal representation at this time.