### Illinois Judge Fatally Shot, Wife Charged with Murder

In a tragic turn of events, Megan Valentine, a 44-year-old resident of Albion, Illinois, has been arrested and charged with the fatal shooting of her husband, Illinois Second Judicial Circuit Court Judge Michael J. Valentine. The Illinois State Police confirmed the arrest which followed the discovery of Judge Valentine's body outside a home.

Authorities responded to the scene in Albion on Tuesday around 12:14 p.m. Upon arrival, a deputy from the Edwards County Sheriff's Office found Judge Valentine's body lying outside. Megan Valentine was taken into custody at the scene.

Court documents filed in Edwards County on Thursday detail the charges against Megan Valentine, which include first-degree murder, aggravated discharge of a firearm, aggravated battery with a firearm, and aggravated domestic battery. Police have not disclosed further details regarding the circumstances that led to the shooting. The Illinois State Police led the investigation and presented their findings to the Illinois State's Attorney Appellate Prosecutor's Office, resulting in the charges.

Megan Valentine is currently held in White County Jail. Attempts to reach her attorney for a statement have been unsuccessful.

The judges of the Second Judicial Circuit expressed their profound grief over the loss of their colleague. In a heartfelt statement, they described Judge Valentine as a respected and compassionate jurist devoted to justice. "Judge Valentine was a distinguished jurist who was determined in the pursuit of justice, and his compassion and conduct earned him the confidence and respect of the people who appeared before him. He will be sorely missed," the statement read.

The community remains in shock as the investigation continues, seeking to unravel the events that led to this tragic incident.