The high-profile first-degree murder trial of Megan Valentine has hit a roadblock, as prosecutors remain unable to compel Valentine to unlock her cell phone despite a court order.
In a hearing last Thursday in Edwards County Circuit Court, Valentine’s defense argued that she cannot remember the pass code to her iPhone 15. Valentine is awaiting trial for the November 5, 2024, shooting death of her husband, Edwards County Circuit Judge Michael Valentine.
Last month, Special Prosecutor David Robinson filed a motion asking that Valentine be held in civil contempt for refusing to unlock her phone. Robinson asserted before Judge William Thurston that “the defendant knows the pass code to her iPhone 15 and simply refuses to produce it.”
Robinson has requested the court impose a $50 daily fine until Valentine complies. He also asked that if the code is not provided before trial, jurors be allowed to consider her refusal as evidence of “consciousness of guilt,” comparable to flight, destruction of evidence, or witness tampering.
Judge Thurston heard arguments from both sides, but withheld a ruling, taking the matter under advisement.
Megan Valentine remains in custody at the White County jail in Carmi, pending a pretrial hearing set for December 19th.
Comments