Illinois judge killed; wife accused of murder: police

An Illinois circuit judge's wife has been arrested and charged with murder after her husband was found fatally shot outside their home Tuesday, police said.

In southeast Illinois, Judge Michael J. Valentine, 43, was shot and killed by his wife, Megan Valentine, 44, at their home in the 1100 block of County Road 600.

An ECSO deputy observed Valentine's body outside the home at 12:15 p.m. when police responded.

Illinois State Police stated that Megan Valentine was apprehended at her residence.

She was accused of first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a gun, aggravated discharge of a gun, and aggravated domestic battery.

She is being held at the White County jail.

No information has been provided by the police regarding what occurred before the shooting.

According to his obituary on Meredith Funeral Home's website, Valentine earned his law degree at Southern Illinois University and served as State's Attorney in Edwards County, Illinois for eight years before being elected Circuit Judge for the same county.

As a drug court judge, Valentine was also a member of the Illinois State Bar Association and the Illinois Judges Association.

He was a lawyer and a member of the Albion Fire Department, Heritage Lodge 356 and the Albion Moose Lodge after being an EMT in Chicago.

He is survived by his parents and two children.

He was a Catholic and will be remembered as a fair and good judge who helped many he served. He was also a loving son and father. His obituary states that he leaves behind many in his community, colleagues, co-workers, and friends who cherish his memory.