In a significant development in the ongoing investigation into the November 5, 2024, murder of Edwards County Circuit Judge Michael Valentine, the court has ordered that Megan Valentine must unlock her cell phone for investigators.
A pre-trial conference has been scheduled for 10 a.m. on September 25th. During a hearing held Thursday, Judge William Thurston of Pulaski County granted a stipulated motion to compel evidence and set the September date. Judge Thurston also cautioned local media against improperly disclosing confidential information related to juvenile matters connected to the case.
Valentine, 44, of rural Albion, is accused in the November 5, 2024 shooting death of her husband. Judge Michael Valentine’s body was discovered outside his home following a wellness check requested around 12:15 p.m. that day by the Edwards County Sheriff’s Office.
In December 2024, Valentine pleaded not guilty to multiple charges: two class M felony counts of murder (one alleging intent to kill or injure, and another alleging a strong probability of causing death), one class X felony count of aggravated battery/discharging a firearm, one class 1 felony count of aggravated discharge of a firearm, and one class 2 felony count of aggravated domestic battery.
Valentine remains held at the White County Jail in Carmi. She is represented by defense attorney Jessica Koester of Edwardsville, while David Robinson of the State’s Attorney’s Appellate Prosecutor’s Office is prosecuting the case.
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