After an Illinois judge was found fatally shot outside his home, authorities charged his wife with murder.

Illinois State Police said 44-year-old Megan S. Valentine was arrested on multiple charges, including first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, aggravated discharge of a firearm and aggravated domestic battery. Press release It was shared on Thursday, November 7.

The charges stem from the death of her husband, Illinois Second Judicial Circuit Judge Michael J. Valentine, according to police.

Police say Megan is accused of fatally shooting Michael, who was found dead outside his home in Albion, Illinois, on Tuesday afternoon, Nov. 5. Edwards County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the scene around 12:15 p.m. and made the discovery.

“On November 7, 2024, after a thorough investigation, ISP agents presented their case to the Illinois State Attorney General’s Office of the Appellate Prosecution and the charges listed above were filed,” police said in the statement. No further information about the fatal shooting was released by authorities.

According to police, Megan is being held in the White County Jail. It’s unclear whether he has entered a plea or retained an attorney to speak on his behalf.

Chief Judge Melissa Morgan of the Second Judicial Circuit paid tribute to the late judge in a statement shared with WEHT, calling his death “tragic.”

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“Judge Valentine was an outstanding jurist determined in his pursuit of justice, and his compassion and conduct earned him the trust and respect of the people who appeared before him,” the statement read in part.

“He will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time,” Morgan added.

an obituary Michael notes that he served as State’s Attorney in Edwards County before being elected District Judge for the same county. According to his obituary, Michael was remembered as “a good and fair judge who helped many of those he served” as well as “a loving son and father.” He is survived by his parents, two children and other loved ones.

If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or go to: thehotline.org. All calls are free and confidential. The helpline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.