An Illinois circuit court judge was fatally shot outside his home earlier this week, with his wife arrested and charged in connection with his death.
The body of Judge Michael J. Valentine, 43, from the Illinois Second Judicial Circuit, was discovered on November 5 outside his home in Albion, Illinois, during a wellness check.
The Edwards County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene around 12:14 p.m., where they found the judge had been shot.
Valentine had been serving as the Edwards County circuit judge since 2016, after being elected to the position, and was re-elected in 2022.
Before becoming a judge, he served as the county’s State’s Attorney for eight years. He also worked as a Chicago EMT and was a member of the Albion Fire Department.
Valentine earned his law degree from Southern Illinois University and was a member of the Illinois State Bar Association and Illinois Judges Association. His family described him as a “good and fair judge” and a loving father.
The Second Circuit judges remembered Valentine as a “distinguished jurist” dedicated to public service. They expressed their shock and sadness, saying he was respected for his commitment to justice and compassion.
Valentine’s death comes after the killing of another judge earlier this year. In September, Letcher County, Kentucky, Sheriff Shawn Stines was arrested for the murder of District Judge Kevin Mullins, who was shot at his courthouse following a dispute. Stines’ defense attorney claimed the shooting was unplanned and occurred in the heat of passion.
Valentine is survived by his children, parents, and other relatives.
