Judge dies by suicide in Georgia courtroom on last day in office

EFFINGHAM COUNTY, Ga. — A Georgia state court judge was found dead inside a courtroom Tuesday morning, the last day he was set to be in office, according to authorities.

The Effingham County Sheriff’s Office said State Court Judge Stephen Yekel was found dead by an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound inside a county courtroom around 10 a.m. 

Court was not in session at the time of the incident.

Investigators believe Yekel died sometime late Monday night or early Tuesday morning.

Officials released the following statement on the judge’s death Tuesday afternoon:

“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.”

County officials added that employees will be provided support and resources, and a crisis response team will be avaliable for counseling in the coming days. 

Yekel lost his run for reelection this year and sent a letter of resignation to Gov. Brian Kemp on Dec. 6 asking for his last day to be Dec. 30, one day before his term expires. 

In the letter, Yelek says he won two previous elections but lost a runoff election in July to Melissa Calhoun, whose term is set to begin Jan. 1, 2025.

“I feel that the office of State Court Judge of Effinham is too important to be decided by only 6% of the eligible voters of Effingham County,” Yelek wrote in the letter obtained by First Coast News.

Kemp responded to the judge’s letter on Dec. 12, denying the attempted resignation.

“Regardless of the low turnout for this year’s runoff election cited in your letter, the people of Effingham County have spoken once again,” Kemp wrote. “The results of a fair election should not be nullified on the basis of a manufactured legal technicality.”

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation will perform an autopsy to confirm the judge’s official cause of death.

The Effingham County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division is handling the investigation.

If you or someone you know is having a mental health crisis and needs help right away:

Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts can reach the suicide prevention lifeline 24/7 by calling or texting 988.

Kids and teens can call the Wolfson Children’s Hospital free mental health hotline at any time at 904-202-7900, or text the word “Life” to 741-741 and a counselor will text you back.