A Georgia judge’s final day in office ended in tragedy as he was found dead in his courtroom, shocking the local community and sparking an investigation.
At a Glance
- State Court Judge Stephen Yekel was found dead in his courtroom on his last day in office
- The death is being investigated as an apparent suicide
- Yekel had recently lost his re-election bid and was set to leave office on December 31, 2024
- An autopsy will be conducted by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation
- Governor Brian Kemp’s office expressed condolences to Yekel’s family
Tragic Discovery in Effingham County Courthouse
On what was meant to be his final day as a State Court Judge, Stephen Yekel was found dead in the Effingham County Superior Court. The discovery came after Effingham County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of a possible suicide at the courthouse. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation and local authorities are now investigating the circumstances surrounding Yekel’s death, which appears to be self-inflicted.
Yekel, who had been appointed to the bench by Governor Brian Kemp in 2022, was scheduled to leave office on December 31, 2024, following an unsuccessful re-election bid. The judge had recently expressed disappointment with the election outcome, even attempting to resign early, a request that was denied by Governor Kemp.
Investigation Underway
The Effingham County Sheriff’s Office and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation are leading the inquiry into Yekel’s death. Preliminary findings suggest that the judge may have died the night before his body was discovered. An autopsy is scheduled to be performed by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation to provide more clarity on the circumstances of his passing.
“The family’s distraught,” Effingham County Sheriff Jimmy McDuffie said. “It’s supposed to be a happy time this time of year and now they’ve got this.”
Yekel, who had been admitted to the state bar in 1976, was in good standing at the time of his death. He presided over preliminary criminal matters and other cases in Springfield, Georgia, throughout his tenure on the bench.
Community Response and Condolences
The unexpected death of Judge Yekel has sent shockwaves through the local community and legal circles. The Effingham County Board of Commissioners issued a statement expressing their sorrow over the tragic event. The judge is reported to have shot himself.
“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 has also responded to the tragedy, with a spokesperson stating, “Judge Yekel’s family and loved ones are in all our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.” The governor’s office declined to comment further, citing the ongoing investigation.
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
Judge Yekel’s legal career spanned nearly five decades, culminating in his appointment to the bench by Governor Kemp. His term was set to conclude at the end of 2024, following his unsuccessful bid for re-election. In the wake of the election results, Yekel had attempted to resign early, expressing concerns about the low voter turnout.
“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 to Governor Kemp.
However, Governor Kemp rejected the resignation request, maintaining that the results of a fair election should be respected. As the investigation continues, the legal community and residents of Effingham County are left to grapple with the loss of a dedicated public servant under such tragic circumstances.
