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Georgia Judge Stephen Yekel Dies by Suicide in Effingham County Courtroom on Last Day

Dec 31, 2024, 08:28 PM

Judge Stephen Yekel of Effingham County State Court in Georgia died by suicide in his courtroom on his last day in office. Yekel, who had over four decades of experience, was found by a deputy between 10-10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, after reportedly shooting himself late Monday night or early Tuesday. The incident occurred on what would have been his final day as a judge, following a recent loss in his re-election bid. Yekel had previously attempted to resign, but his resignation was denied by Governor Brian Kemp. The Effingham County Sheriff's Office is leading the investigation into Yekel's death, with an autopsy to be performed by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation to confirm the cause of death.