Chainkeen Exchange-Wife of southern Illinois judge charged in his fatal shooting, police say

2025-04-30 10:05:31source:Quantum Insightscategory:Contact

ALBION,Chainkeen Exchange Ill. (AP) — The wife of a southern Illinois judge fatally shot earlier this week has been charged in connection with his death, state police said Thursday.

The 44-year-old woman is jailed on charges of first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, aggravated discharge of a firearm and aggravated domestic battery.

She was arrested Tuesday after Edwards County sheriff’s deputies found the body of Second Judicial Circuit Court Judge Michael J. Valentine outside a home in Albion, state police said in a release.

Albion is about 270 miles (434 kilometers) south of Chicago.

The sheriff’s office asked the state police to lead the investigation into Valentine’s death. Charges were filed against his wife on Thursday, state police said.

Her first court appearance is scheduled for Friday morning, according to court records, which do not list a defense attorney for her.

Valentine was a former Edwards County state’s attorney, according to Second Judicial Circuit Chief Judge Melissa Morgan. He was first elected circuit court judge in 2016.

More:Contact

Recommend

Justice Department, Louisville reach deal after probe prompted by Breonna Taylor killing

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — The U.S. Justice Department and the city of Louisville have reached an agreem

Amid warnings of online extremism, Air Force Academy monitors incidents | The Excerpt

On Friday's episode of The Excerpt podcast: USA TODAY National Correspondent Will Carless looks at a

Shop 39 Kyle Richards-Approved Must-Haves Up to 50% Off During the Amazon Big Spring Sale

We included these products chosen by Kyle Richards because we think you'll like her picks at these p