Authorities remain mum on details surrounding a death investigation that happened just after the noon hour in Albion. Rumors began swirling around 5pm that Edwards County resident Circuit Judge Michael J. Valentine had been killed. Additional details including the manner of death and even who might’ve been behind it also quickly made the rounds through at least one overzealous publication, social media, messenger, and text. Witnesses even reported seeing the alleged responsible party being taken into the courthouse in cuffs. An inquiry with Edwards County Coroner Mark Curtis resulted in his denial that those reports were accurate. He said at the time it was untrue, still under investigation, and that nothing had been confirmed. A check with Illinois State Police resulted in a preliminary investigation release which stated the unit was requested by Edwards County law enforcement to assist with the probe, only giving the time of death and the location, near County Road 600 in Albion. The release said the investigation was still in it’s infancy and no additional details were being released as of yet. We anticipate more information from ISP coming soon.
