Georgia judge commits suicide in court after losing re-election

Georgia judge found dead in courtroom

Investigation underway for suicide

Kemp rejected judge’s prior resignation

Judge Stephen Yekel, from the state of Georgia, was found dead inside his courtroom at the Effingham County State Court.

According to WSAV, it is believed that Yekel, 74, took his own life with a gunshot.

His body was discovered on Tuesday morning by a court deputy, on what would have been his last day in office.

Effingham County Sheriff Jimmy McDuffie stated that Yekel likely shot himself on Monday night or in the early hours of Tuesday.

Stephen Yekel, Georgia judge, found dead

A sad story today in Springfield, Georgia (NW of Savannah) – SOURCES included

Judge Stephen Yekel took his own life in a county courtroom and was found by a deputy Tuesday morning – Court was not in session.

The judge lost his run for reelection this year, and this would have… pic.twitter.com/PsMAhNvcUc

— CharlieSue ~ “Use Some Common Sense” (@CharlieSue_USA) December 31, 2024

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is conducting an inquiry into this tragic incident.

Stephen Yekel was appointed as a judge in 2022 and recently lost his bid for reelection.

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He had submitted his resignation to Governor Brian Kemp, but it was rejected.

McDuffie confirmed that Yekel sent a note to the governor’s office regarding his resignation, although the exact contents have not been revealed.

The courtroom will remain closed until January 2, when it will resume normal activities, according to Fox Atlanta.

«The Effingham County Board of Commissioners and staff are deeply saddened by the tragic death of Judge Stephen Yekel at the Effingham County Courthouse today and offer our condolences to his family and loved ones,» a statement from the county reads.

Yekel, father of four, had a career spanning more than 45 years as a district deputy prosecutor in Chatham County and as a practicing attorney.

He was also a special agent in the state’s Alcohol and Tobacco Tax Unit, as well as an investigator in the Cobb County District Attorney’s Office.

Reasons for Stephen Yekel’s suicide?

BREAKING: Georgia Judge Stephen Yekel Shoots Himself Dead in Courtroom on Final Day in Office

Yekel, appointed to the state court by Governor Brian Kemp in 2022, had recently lost his reelection bid and attempted to resign, but his resignation was reportedly denied by the… pic.twitter.com/JhhHSjEFHr

— Bruce Snyder (@realBruceSnyder) December 31, 2024

In his resignation letter, Stephen Yekel expressed his frustration with the low voter turnout that led to his defeat. He stated that the position of judge is «too important to be decided by just 6% of eligible voters.»

However, Kemp denied the resignation, stating that the will of the county voters must be respected.

In May, Yekel’s ex-wife, Lisa Yekel, posted clarifications on Facebook regarding rumors that had affected the judge’s reelection campaign.

She denied that their divorce the previous year was related to infidelity or that Yekel had intervened to avoid a fine after an accident.

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Stephen Yekel, Georgia judge, found dead – PHOTO: MundoNOW