Georgia Judge Takes Own Life Inside Courthouse
A shocking incident occurred on Tuesday morning when Judge Stephen Yekel, 74, was found dead inside the Effingham County State Courtroom. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is currently probing the circumstances surrounding the judge’s death, which is believed to have been a suicide.
Yekel had recently lost a bid for re-election and was found by a deputy on what would have been his last day on the bench. He had attempted to resign from his position, but was prevented from doing so by Governor Brian Kemp.
According to Effingham County Sheriff Jimmy McDuffie, Yekel was discovered between 10am and 10:30am on Tuesday, with signs indicating that he had shot himself late Monday night or early Tuesday.
Yekel had been a judge in Effingham County since 2022 and had a long career as a lawyer and prosecutor. He was a father of four and was known for his work as a special agent with the state’s Alcohol and Tobacco Tax Unit and as an investigator at the Cobb County District Attorney’s Office.
Yekel’s resignation letter to Governor Kemp cited his disappointment with the low turnout for the election he lost, stating that the position was “too important to be decided by only 6% of eligible voters.” However, Kemp rejected the resignation request, stating that he wanted to maintain “respect for the will of the people of Effingham County.”
Yekel’s ex-wife, Lisa Yekel, shared a post on Facebook earlier this year that outlined several issues reportedly plaguing his re-election campaign, including financial problems and rumors of infidelity. She denied these rumors and described her ex-husband as “one of the most respectful, honest, and caring people I know.”
The courtroom has been closed and will resume normal business on January 2. The national suicide and crisis helpline is available 24/7 at 988.