A Georgia state judge took his own life inside the courtroom.
Judge Stephen Yekel’s body was discovered inside the Effingham County State Courthouse Tuesday morning. It is believed that he shot himself to death.
Yekel, 74, had recently lost a re-election bid and was found by a deputy on what would have been his last day on the bench. WSAV information.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is now investigating the horrific incident.
Effingham County Sheriff Jimmy McDuffie said Yekel was discovered around 10 a.m., but it appeared he had shot himself Monday night or early Tuesday.
Yekel was appointed to the state court in 2022. He had attempted to resign from his position, but was prevented from doing so by Governor Brian Kemp.
McDuffie said it was his understanding that Yekel had sent a note to the governor’s office, but he did not reveal its contents.
The courtroom has been closed and will resume normal activities on January 2.
Georgia Judge Stephen Yekel took his own life inside the courtroom
The father of four is a former assistant district attorney in Chatham County and a practicing attorney with more than 45 years of experience. Pictured: Yekel (center) with his sons (left to right) Sean, Brett, Steve and Blake and Governor Brian Kemp.
“The Effingham County Board of Commissioners and staff are deeply saddened by the tragic death of Judge Steve Yekel today at the Effingham County Courthouse and we offer our condolences to his family and loved ones,” a statement from the county reads. .
Yekel, a father of four, is a former assistant district attorney in Chatham County and a practicing attorney with more than 45 years of experience.
He previously held positions as a special agent with the state’s Alcohol and Tobacco Tax Unit and was an investigator with the Cobb County District Attorney’s Office.
In May, Yekel’s ex-wife, Lisa Yekel, shared a post on Facebook outlining several problems that were reportedly plaguing his re-election campaign.
She dismissed rumors that their divorce the previous year was due to infidelity and denied that he had asked a police officer not to give her a citation after a car accident.
“His best friend, who recently passed away, had Steve’s car in his shop for repairs and lent him a vehicle to use, which is why he was not driving his car when it was involved in the accident,” he wrote.
“I was on my way home from visiting our daughter, who had just moved into her apartment in Pooler.
‘The Steve Yekel I know would never have asked the police officer not to give him a citation. He has always taken responsibility for his actions.
She also hinted at the financial problems the couple had faced due to a failed daycare.
Yekel had recently lost a re-election bid and a deputy found him on what would have been his last day on the bench. Pictured: Yekel with Governor Brian Kemp.
Yekel was discovered inside the Effingham County state courtroom.
He had lost a reelection bid earlier this year and had asked Gov. Brian Kemp if he could resign, but the request was denied.
“He did everything he could to avoid bankruptcy,” he added. ‘Unfortunately, she had used her life savings to keep the nursery open.
“In my defense, I was too lenient on parents who couldn’t pay their bills and ultimately walked away owing thousands of dollars. Again, that’s my fault, not Steve’s.”
She concluded the post by stating that her ex-husband was “one of the most respectful, honest and caring people I know” and urged people to re-elect him.
A profile in Effingham Herald Regarding Yekel’s campaign, he claims that he and his ex-wife moved to the area in 1999.
The couple shares four children: Sean, Ashleigh, Blake and Brett.
“Throughout my service, I have upheld the principles of dignity, respect and impartiality, treating all people, whether represented by counsel or not, with fairness and equality,” Yekel said in a post about his campaign.
Yekel ultimately lost his re-election bid to Judge Melissa M Calhoun.
The late judge was also facing a lawsuit from court employee Lisa Crawford, who claims Yekel wrongfully fired her from her position. OMCT information.
Judge Steve Yekel takes the oath of office with Georgia Governor Brian Kemp
Effingham County Sheriff Jimmy McDuffie said he was found between 10 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Tuesday.
Crawford was seeking $10,000 in damages amid allegations that Yekel fired her to hire his own staff when he took office.
An email filed as part of Yekel’s lawsuit to Crawford reportedly accused her of being part of a “conspiracy scheme” to help people charged with DUI have their charges reduced or dismissed.
Outside the courtroom, Yekel was a minor league baseball coach, vice president and legal counsel for Effingham Heroes Inc. and head of the setter team at Compassion Christian Church.
DailyMail.com has contacted Effingham County and Governor Kemp for comment.
The National Suicide and Disaster Helpline is available 24/7 at 988.
