During a brief video hearing on Tuesday afternoon, 44-year-old Megan Valentine waived her right to a preliminary hearing and pleaded not guilty to charges of murdering her husband, Judge Michael J. Valentine, who served as the Edwards County Resident Judge. Judge Valentine was found dead from a gunshot wound to the back at his home on election day, November 5th.
The hearing was primarily conducted via video, with Judge William Thurston appearing from the Pulaski County courthouse. Megan Valentine participated from the White County jail, while her defense attorney, Jessica Koester, attended via Zoom. Special Prosecutor David Robinson and his assistant were present in person at the Edwards County Courthouse.
Megan Valentine expressed her intention to waive her rights to a preliminary hearing, the reading of the charges against her, and a formal arraignment. She entered a not guilty plea to all charges, and her attorney also withdrew a request for a speedy trial.
Also attending the hearing via video were Judge Valentine’s parents, Michael and Marilyn Valentine, along with a close friend, Chad Wissell. Judge Thurston ordered that Megan Valentine remain in custody, denying any pretrial release. A status hearing has been scheduled for January 7th, which will coincide with a motion filed by Judge Valentine’s parents concerning custody of their two minor grandchildren.
Special Prosecutor David Robinson informed the court that the discovery process is still in its early stages, with many items of forensic evidence awaiting processing by the Illinois State Police Crime Lab. He assured the court that his office follows a policy of open discovery, ensuring that all evidence will be shared with the defense as it becomes available. Megan Valentine will remain in the White County jail in Carmi until further court proceedings.
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