It’s a tragic mystery.
Authorities reported that a judge was found dead in a Georgia courtroom on what would have been his final day in office. Effingham County Sheriff’s deputies discovered State Court Judge Stephen Yekel, 74, on Tuesday morning. It is believed he died by suicide, according to the sheriff’s office.
Yekel had been appointed to the bench two years ago by Georgia Governor Brian Kemp. Earlier this year, he lost his election bid, with his term set to conclude on December 31, 2024. Effingham County Sheriff Jimmy McDuffie shared that Yekel’s family is devastated by the tragedy, especially during what should have been a joyful time of year.
Deputies were called to the courthouse at 10:20 a.m. after receiving a report of a possible suicide. Sheriff McDuffie stated that one of his deputies found Yekel’s body, and it appeared that he passed away the night before. There were no court proceedings scheduled for the day, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation will conduct an autopsy.
Yekel had been a member of the state bar since June 14, 1976, and was in good standing at the time of his death. He had presided over criminal cases and other matters in Springfield, located about 26 miles north of Savannah. In a letter to Governor Kemp dated December 2, Yekel cited his election loss and expressed his desire to resign, asking for his resignation to take effect one day before the end of his term. However, Governor Kemp rejected the request, stating that the results of the election should stand.
A spokesperson for Kemp declined to comment on the ongoing investigation but expressed sympathy for Yekel’s family and loved ones, offering thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
