Georgia Judge Found Dead in Courtroom After Apparent Suicide

Judge Stephen Yekel, 74, was found dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot.

This was in Effingham County State Court on his last scheduled day as judge.

Yekel, who lost re-election, reportedly attempted to resign earlier but was denied by Governor Brian Kemp.

I’ve never heard of someone being denied from resigning but that’s the story so far.

Authorities believe the incident occurred late Monday or early Tuesday.

The courtroom will remain closed until January 2.

HORROR: Georgia Judge Kills Himself Inside in His Own Courtroomhttps://t.co/JSVmPLRCwZ pic.twitter.com/rwCmwdfo52

— The Gateway Pundit (@gatewaypundit) December 31, 2024

The timing is very interesting.

We have Jack Smith and Matthew Graves stepping down, now this.

Daily Mail reports:

A Georgia state judge has taken his own life inside his courtroom.

The body of Judge Stephen Yekel was discovered inside Effingham County State Court on Tuesday morning. He is believed to have shot himself dead.

Yekel, 74, had recently lost a bid for re-election and was found by a deputy on what would have been his last day on the bench, WSAV reports.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is now probing the horrific incident.

Effingham County Sheriff Jimmy McDuffie said Yekel was discovered around 10am, but it appeared he had shot himself late Monday night or early Tuesday.

Yekel was appointed to the state court in 2022. He had tried to resign from his position, but was prevented from doing so by Governor Brian Kemp.

McDuffie said he understood Yekel had sent a note to the Governor’s office regarding the resignation, but did not disclose its contents.

The courtroom has been closed and will resume normal business on January 2.

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Father-of-four Yekel was a former assistant district attorney in Chatham County and practicing lawyer with more than 45 years of experience.

He previously held roles as a special agent with the state’s Alcohol & Tobacco Tax Unit and was an investigator at the Cobb County District Attorney’s Office.

Yekel’s resignation letter to Governor Kemp cites his disappointment with low turnout for the election he lost. In the event a judge resigns, a new one would be appointed by the Governor rather than voted in.

The late judge was also facing a lawsuit from court employee Lisa Crawford who claims she was wrongfully terminated from her position by Yekel, WTOC reports.

Crawford was seeking $10,000 in damages amid claims Yekel fired her in order to bring in his own staff when he assumed office.

A sad tale, indeed.

The body of, Judge Stephen Yekel, was discovered inside the Effingham County State Court, around 10am, Tuesday morning, on what would have been his last day.

Yekel, 74, had recently lost a bid for re-election.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is now looking into the… pic.twitter.com/uSYosKbmrU

— Amy Limoges (@justMAGAplease) December 31, 2024

Lots of people stepping down, one way or another.

Very curious timing.

Interesting Matthew Graves resignes, Jack Smith resignes and many more stepping down from positions.
Run but can’t hide.

— 🇨🇦BMarlene (@BMarlene_) December 31, 2024

Video: Effingham County Sheriff Jimmy McDuffie releases new details after a judge was found dead inside the Effingham County Courthouse Tuesday. More info: https://t.co/UUTXzDwgHm pic.twitter.com/nFDoq77XG5

— WJCL News (@WJCLNews) December 31, 2024