ALBION – The Illinois State Police and the Edwards County Sheriff’s Office continue to investigate the Tuesday afternoon death of Edwards County Circuit Judge Michael J. Valentine.

The Edwards County Sheriff’s Office arrived at Judge Valentine’s home at 12:15 p.m. in response to a request for a welfare check. After a short time, the judge was found dead.

The sheriff’s office then contacted the Edwards County Coroner and Illinois State Police, who is helping the sheriff’s office with the investigation.