Judge Stephen Yekel, 74, allegedly took own life in courtroom on last day in office

The Georgia judicial circuit was left reeling this week after it was revealed that a judge, on his last day on the job, took his own life inside the courtroom.

According to Daily Mail, Georgia state Judge Stephen Yekel's body was found inside Effingham County State Court on Tuesday morning, with authorities reporting that it appears he took his own life with a firearm.

The 74-year-old judge had recently lost his re-election bid, according to the reports. A deputy discovered his lifeless body in the courtroom on what would have been his last day on the bench.

While Effingham County Sheriff Jimmy McDuffie reported that Judge Yekel's body was discovered late Tuesday morning, early indications are that he shot himself in the courtroom the night before.

Given the horrific and tragic circumstances, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation has announced that it will take the lead on investigating what has been initially ruled as a fatal, self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Georgia Judge Ends His Own Life in Courtroom After Losing Re-Election

A Georgia state judge, Stephen Yekel, was found dead in his courtroom on Tuesday morning after apparently taking his own life.

The discovery was made in the Effingham County State Court, where Yekel, 74, had… pic.twitter.com/QTj7ahCg4c

— RVM News (@redvoicenews) December 31, 2024

The Mail noted:

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 Effingham County Board of Commissioners released a statement regarding the death of the state judge.

"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 statement read.

It's still unclear why the judge decided to take his own life, but reports indicated that he had a lot of different issues happening in his life, including alleged financial problems as a result of a failed daycare business and a wrongful termination lawsuit filed against him by a former court employee.

Outside of the courtroom, Yekel held several roles within his community and church.

The Mail further noted:

Outside the courtroom, Yekel was a little league baseball coach, vice president and legal counsel for Effingham Heroes Inc. and head of the usher team at Compassion Christian Church.

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp's office also released a statement on Yekel's death.

"While we are unable to provide comment on an open investigation, Judge Yekel’s family and loved ones are in all of our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time," the statement read.