Courts in Lawrence Co. closing at noon for services for Judge Michael J. Valentine; wife charged with murder

Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at 8:12 AM

By Johnny McCrory

The observance is for the funeral of Judge Michael J. Valentine. Anyone with a court hearing today is asked to call 618-943-2815.

Lawrence County courts are scheduled to close at noon on Wednesday.

The observance is for the funeral of Judge Michael J. Valentine.

Anyone with a court hearing today is asked to call 618-943-2815.

In the ongoing case involving the fatal shooting of Judge Valentine, Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 8 agents arrested Megan S. Valentine, 44, of Albion, in connection with the death of her husband, Illinois Second Judicial Circuit Court Judge Michael J. Valentine.

Megan Valentine is charged with First Degree Murder (Class M Felony), Aggravated Battery with a Firearm (Class X Felony), Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm (Class 2 Felony), and Aggravated Domestic Battery (Class 2 Felony).

It was just after noon on November 5, the Edwards County Sherriff’s Office responded to a residence in the 1100 block of County Road 600 in Albion. Upon arrival, an ECSO deputy observed the body of Michael Valentine laying outside the residence. Megan Valentine was taken into custody.

The ECSO requested ISP lead the investigation. On November 7, after a thorough investigation, ISP agents presented their case to the Illinois State’s Attorney Appellate Prosecutor’s Office and the above-listed charges were filed.

Megan Valentine is being held at the White County jail.

Local visitation will be from 2 - 7 p.m. at the House of Prayer in Albion. Funeral services will be at a later date in Orland Park.