Albion, IL — A local community is reeling after the tragic death of a respected judge in this small Illinois town. Michael J. Valentine, 43, a circuit court judge for the Illinois Second Judicial Circuit, was found deceased from gunshot wounds outside his home on November 5, authorities confirmed. The judge’s wife, Megan S. Valentine, has been charged with his murder in a case that has shocked the local and legal community.
Michael Valentine, who was first elected as a resident circuit judge of Edwards County in 2016 and reelected in 2022, had a long history of public service. Before his election to the bench, he served as Edwards County State’s Attorney for eight years. Valentine’s career also included time as a Chicago EMT and volunteer with the Albion Fire Department.
Valentine’s educational background included a law degree from Southern Illinois University, after which he became a member of the Illinois State Bar Association and the Illinois Judges Association. He was highly regarded for his dedication to justice and his commitment to public service.
On the day of the incident, deputies from the Edwards County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call at the Valentine home at approximately 12:14 p.m. for a wellness check, only to discover the disturbing scene. According to Illinois State Police, Megan Valentine now faces charges of first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, aggravated discharge of a firearm, and aggravated domestic battery.
During her initial court appearance on November 8, Megan Valentine was ordered to remain in custody. Her next court date is scheduled for November 12. She is currently being held at the White County Jail in Carmi, approximately 25 miles south of Albion.
The legal community and those who knew Judge Valentine personally have expressed profound grief over his untimely death. The court system released a statement describing him as a “distinguished jurist” whose “compassion and conduct earned him the confidence and respect of the people who appeared before him.”
Valentine is survived by his son and daughter, his parents, and several other relatives. Colleagues and family remembered him as not only a fair judge but also a loving father and son who made significant contributions to both his community and the legal profession.
The investigation into the circumstances of Judge Valentine’s death continues, with local law enforcement and Illinois State Police piecing together the events that led to this tragic incident. Meanwhile, the community and his peers are left to mourn and honor his legacy, hoping for justice in the wake of such a personal and community loss.
This case adds to the troubling instances of violence against judicial figures nationally, echoing the recent event where a Kentucky sheriff was charged with the murder of a district judge following a courthouse dispute. These incidents underscore the growing concerns about the security and pressures facing judicial officers today.