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Georgia judge found dead in courtroom on last day of service, suspected suicide

Following the discovery of State Court Judge Stephen Yekel, 74, dead in his courtroom on Tuesday morning, law enforcement officers are investigating. The judge was found, according to an official statement from the Effingham County Sheriff’s deputies.

According to preliminary findings, the judge most likely committed suicide after suffering a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation will conduct the autopsy to determine the exact cause and manner of death, while the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office is spearheading the investigation.

Georgia judge found dead in courtroom on last day of service, suspected suicide
Initial results indicate that the judge died from a gunshot wound that was likely self-inflicted, pointing towards a possible suicide. (Google Maps)

According to authorities, the death occurred sometime between late Monday night and early Tuesday morning. Just two years after being appointed to the bench by Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, Judge Yekel had just lost his bid for reelection. The last day of his judicial term was December 31, 2024.

The Effingham County Board of Commissioners released a formal statement expressing their deep sadness over Judge Yekel’s untimely death.

Georgia judge found dead in courtroom on last day of service, suspected suicide
State Court Judge Stephen Yekel, aged 74. (facebook/steve.yekel.96)

If you or someone you know are dealing with any of the issues brought up in this article, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or text Crisis Text Line at 741741.

Jeffrey Childers

Journalist, editor, cybersecurity and computer science expert, social media management, roofing contractor.

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