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Valentine seeks change of venue for murder trial

Friday, June 19, 2026 at 12:34 PM

By Steve Anderson

A southeastern Illinois woman accused of the murder of her husband in Edwards County is asking the court for a new location for her trial.

Court records indicate that the defense for Megan Valentine has filed a motion this week for a change of venue.

Valentine was taken into custody in November of 2024 after her husband Michael was discovered dead after being shot in their Albion home. After an investigation, she was formally charged in connection with his death. Michael Valentine was a former resident Circuit Court Judge in Edwards County and former Edwards County state's attorney.

The motion cites widespread publicity of the case and Michael Valentine's prominent role in public service in Edwards County as two of the reasons that the trial should be moved.

The court made no immediate ruling on the motion, and a hearing has not yet been set on the matter. Valentine remains incarcerated in the Wayne County Jail.