DELHI - Delaware County District Attorney Shawn J. Smith announced on March 25, 2026, that Justin T. Valk, 50, of Davenport was sentenced to serve a total of 31 years to life in State Prison after being found guilty of Murder in the Second Degree, a Class A-II Felony and several other felony charges, by a jury of his peers in Delaware County Court in January of 2026. 

In a trial lasting three weeks, the jury found, beyond any reasonable doubt, that Justin Valk recklessly caused the death of his wife, Stephanie Valk, under circumstances evincing a depraved indifference to the value of human life. The jury heard testimony that in August of 2022, Justin Valk injected his wife Stephanie Valk with multiple doses of Methamphetamine and Fentanyl over a 24-hour period, while the couple were alone in their Davenport home. The Jury also heard testimony on the drug sales that occurred before, after, and during the period of time that Stephanie was fighting for her life. 

The defendant appeared in Delaware County Court on March 25, 2026, for sentencing. After hearing statements from family members of the deceased, and arguments from District Attorney Shawn Smith and Defense Counsel Kevin O’Brien, the Honorable Gary A. Rosa imposed the maximum state prison sentence on the murder conviction. 

Judge Rosa sentenced the defendant to an indeterminate term of 25 years to life in prison for the charge of Murder in the Second Degree. Judge Rosa ordered that this sentence would not start to run until the defendant completes his 6-year state prison sentence previously imposed on his conviction for Burglary in the Second Degree.  This results in a cumulative sentence of 31 years to life.  

In addition to the top count of Murder in the Second Degree, the jury also found Valk guilty of Assault in the First Degree, a Class B Violent Felony. Judge Rosa sentenced the defendant to a determinate term in state prison for 20 years, to be followed by 5 years post release supervision.  

For the two counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree (Possession with Intent to Sell -Fentanyl & Heroin), both Class B Felonies, Judge Rosa imposed a sentence of 5 years in prison to be followed by 2 years of post-release supervision for each count. 

Lastly for the one count of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 5th Degree (Possession with Intent to Sell- Methamphetamine), a Class D Felony, Judge Rosa imposed a sentence of 2.5 years in State Prison to be followed by 1 year of post release supervision.  

During sentencing, family members of Stephanie Valk, the victim, spoke on how much they miss their mother, niece, cousin and friend, and how grateful they are that justice and closure have been brought to their family. Valk showed no remorse during the Pre-Sentence Investigation prepared by the Probation Department and refused to accept any responsibility. 

District Attorney Smith commended the work of the New York State Police, particularly retired Investigators Mathew Burkert and Jennifer Hahl, along with Investigator Michael Little for their excellent investigation into this extremely egregious case. Smith also thanked the staff at Safe Against Violence for the support they provided to the victim’s family throughout this process. 

Smith stated, “This is a truly despicable case. I am pleased that the Judge imposed the maximum sentence. This defendant certainly deserved it.”  

Stephanie Valk- a beloved Mother.