Wife of southern Illinois judge charged in his fatal shooting, police say
ALBION, 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.
Updated - Test BSP-2636
What to know about the 2024 Election
- Democracy: American democracy has overcome big stress tests since the 2020 election. More challenges lie ahead in 2024.
- AP’s Role: The Associated Press is the most trusted source of information on election night, with a history of accuracy dating to 1848. Learn more.
- Read the latest: Follow AP’s complete coverage of this year’s election.
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.