ALBION, Ill. — A woman from southern Illinois, identified as the wife of a judge who was fatally shot earlier this week, has been charged in connection with his killing, as confirmed by state police on Thursday.

The 44-year-old is currently in custody facing several serious charges, including first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, aggravated discharge of a firearm, and aggravated domestic battery.

Her arrest occurred on Tuesday following an investigation by Edwards County sheriff’s deputies, who discovered the body of Judge Michael J. Valentine outside his home in Albion. The area is located approximately 270 miles (434 kilometers) south of Chicago.

The investigation into Valentine’s death was taken over by state police at the request of the sheriff’s office. Charges against his wife were officially filed on Thursday, according to the police report.

She is expected to make her first court appearance on Friday morning; however, court records do not indicate whether she has retained a defense attorney to represent her.

Judge Valentine had a notable career, having previously served as the Edwards County state’s attorney. He was elected as a circuit court judge in 2016 and was part of the Second Judicial Circuit, as explained by Chief Judge Melissa Morgan.