The presiding judge has taken a defense request for a change of venue for the murder trial of a southeastern Illinois woman under advisement.
48-year-old Megan Valentine of Albion is charged with murder in the November 2024 shooting death of her husband, former Edwards County Circuit Judge Michael Valentine.
Judge William Thurston heard arguments on the motion with the defense contending that the extensive pretrial publicity of the case and the public status of the deceased judge would prevent Valentine from getting a fair trial in Edwards County. Also referenced in the motion were social media comments on the case in response to local news coverage.
The judge did not rule on the request immediately and indicated he would issue a decision at a later date. Valentine is next scheduled for a pretrial hearing on Wednesday, September 23rd, 2026.
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