Springfield, Georgia -Effingham County State Court Judge Stephen Yekel was found dead in his courtroom on Tuesday morning, December 31, 2024, in what authorities have confirmed as an apparent suicide. Yekel, aged 74, took his own life with a self-inflicted gunshot wound, marking a somber end to his judicial career on what was meant to be his final day in office.
Yekel, who had been appointed to the bench in 2022 by Governor Brian Kemp, had lost his re-election bid earlier that year, which would have concluded his term by the end of 2024. Despite his attempt to resign from his position in early December, his resignation was not accepted, leaving him to serve until his term officially ended.
The Effingham County Sheriff's Office reported that Yekel's body was discovered by a deputy between 10:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, after he had presumably committed the act late Monday night or early Tuesday morning. Sheriff Jimmy McDuffie confirmed the nature of Yekel's death but noted that an autopsy by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation would be necessary to officially determine the cause of death.
Yekel's career in law spanned over 45 years, including roles as an assistant district attorney in Chatham County, a special agent for Georgia's Alcohol & Tobacco Tax Unit, and an investigator at the Cobb County District Attorney's Office. Beyond the courtroom, he was known for his community involvement, serving as a little league baseball coach, vice president, and legal counsel for Effingham Heroes Inc., and as head of the usher team at Compassion Christian Church.
The judge's death has left the community in shock, with many expressing their condolences to his family. "The family's distraught. It's supposed to be a happy time this time of year, and now they've got this," Sheriff McDuffie stated, reflecting on the untimely loss.
The Effingham County Courthouse was closed for the remainder of the day following the discovery, with normal operations scheduled to resume on January 2, 2025. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding Yekel's death continues, with authorities piecing together the events leading up to this tragic outcome.
This incident has prompted discussions on mental health within the legal profession, highlighting the pressures and challenges faced by those in judicial roles. Resources for mental health support have been shared widely, including the national suicide and crisis helpline available 24/7 at 988.
As the community mourns the loss of Judge Stephen Yekel, questions about the support systems for elected officials and the stress of public service are likely to come to the forefront. His legacy, both in the courtroom and in the community, will be remembered by many in Effingham County and beyond.
Sources:
Information gathered from various news outlets reporting on the incident.
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