A Georgia judge was found dead in his courtroom on what was supposed to be his last day on the bench, leaving a community in shock and raising questions about the pressures faced by those in the judicial system.
At a Glance
- State Court Judge Stephen Yekel was found dead in his courtroom on his final day as judge
- The death is being investigated as an apparent suicide by self-inflicted gunshot
- Yekel had recently lost his re-election bid after being appointed in 2022 by Governor Brian Kemp
- An autopsy will be conducted by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation
- The tragedy has deeply affected the community and Yekel’s family
Tragic Discovery in Effingham County Courthouse
On a day that was meant to mark the end of his judicial tenure, State Court Judge Stephen Yekel was discovered dead in the Effingham County Superior Court. The 74-year-old judge, who had recently lost his bid for re-election, was found by sheriff’s deputies responding to reports of a possible suicide. The Effingham County Sheriff’s Office and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation are currently investigating the incident, which appears to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Sheriff Jimmy McDuffie, visibly shaken by the event, shared the emotional toll on Yekel’s loved ones. “The family’s distraught,” McDuffie stated. “It’s supposed to be a happy time this time of year and now they’ve got this.” The timing of this tragedy, occurring during what should have been a celebratory season, has only intensified the shock and grief felt by the community.
Effingham County State Court Judge Stephen Yekel was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound inside a county courtroom around 10 a.m. https://t.co/TN77cwZrWQ
— Cody Alcorn (@CodyAlcorn) December 31, 2024
A Career Cut Short
Judge Yekel’s journey to the bench was relatively recent. Appointed by Governor Brian Kemp in 2022, he had served for two years before facing an election to retain his position. Despite his efforts, Yekel lost his bid for re-election, with his term set to conclude on December 31, 2024. In a move that hinted at his distress, Yekel had written to Governor Kemp requesting permission to resign following his election loss.
“I feel that the office of State Court Judge of Effingham is too important to be decided by only 6% of the eligible voters of Effingham County,” Yekel wrote in his appeal to the governor.
However, Governor Kemp rejected this request, stating that the results of a fair election should not be nullified. This decision seemingly weighed heavily on Yekel in his final days. Despite the tragic end to his judicial career, Yekel’s legal expertise was well-established. Admitted to the state bar in 1976, he had maintained good standing throughout his career, presiding over preliminary criminal matters and other cases in Springfield, Georgia.
Community Response and Investigation
The news of Judge Yekel’s death has reverberated throughout Effingham County and beyond. Local officials and community leaders have expressed their sorrow and offered condolences to Yekel’s family. The Effingham County Board of Commissioners released a statement reflecting the community’s grief:
“The Effingham County Board of Commissioners and staff are deeply saddened by the tragic death of Judge Steve Yekel at the Effingham County Courthouse today, and we offer our condolences to his family and loved ones,” the Effingham County Board of Commissioners said.
Governor Kemp’s office, while refraining from direct comment on the ongoing investigation, expressed sympathy through a spokesperson: “Judge Yekel’s family and loved ones are in all our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.” As the community grapples with this loss, authorities are proceeding with a thorough investigation. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation will conduct an autopsy to provide a comprehensive understanding of the circumstances surrounding Yekel’s death.
