Georgia Judge Dies by Suicide in Courtroom on Final Day of Service
Shock in Effingham County
The unexpected death of Judge Stephen Yekel by suicide in his courtroom on Tuesday morning has sent shockwaves through the Effingham County community. Local authorities, led by Sheriff Jimmy McDuffie, confirmed that the judgeās body was discovered by a deputy between 10 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. However, evidence suggests the incident occurred the night before.
As a result of this tragedy, the courtroom, which was not in session on Tuesday, remains closed and is scheduled to resume normal operations on January 2.
Career and Legacy
Judge Stephen Yekel, a seasoned legal professional, was appointed to the Effingham County State Court bench in June 2022 by Governor Brian Kemp. With a legal career spanning over 45 years, Yekel held various positions, including special agent for Georgia’s Alcohol & Tobacco Tax Unit, investigator for the Cobb County District Attorney’s Office, and assistant district attorney in Chatham County.
Despite his extensive contributions to the legal field, Yekelās tenure on the bench ended amid controversy. He recently lost his re-election bid and had reportedly attempted to resign from his position. However, Governor Kemp declined his resignation.
A Note to the Governor
Officials confirmed that Yekel sent a note to Governor Kempās office before his death. While the contents of the note remain undisclosed, it is believed to have referenced his resignation attempt and personal struggles.
Personal and Financial Struggles
During his re-election campaign, Yekelās personal life came under public scrutiny. In May, his ex-wife, Lisa Yekel, shared details about the coupleās financial difficulties and the failure of a daycare business they co-owned. She also defended him against rumors that their divorce was caused by infidelity and denied allegations of misconduct involving a police officer after a car accident.
āHe did everything he could to avoid bankruptcy… Unfortunately, I had used his life savings to keep the daycare open,ā Lisa Yekel wrote in a Facebook post.
Investigation Underway
The Effingham County Sheriffās Office is leading the investigation into Yekelās death, with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) conducting an autopsy to determine the official cause of death. Sheriff McDuffie confirmed that Yekel had fatally shot himself but underscored the importance of a comprehensive autopsy.
Community Reaction
The death of Judge Yekel has cast a pall over the Effingham County community, as well as among legal professionals and his colleagues. Known for his dedication to public service, Yekelās untimely death serves as a poignant reminder of the significant personal and professional pressures that can weigh on public servants.
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