Judge ‘takes his own life’ in courtroom after his last day on the job
A judge is believed to have taken his own life after his final day on the job.
Judge Stephen Yekel of the Effingham County state court in Springfield, Georgia, was found dead by a deputy on Tuesday morning.
Court was not in session on Tuesday, but it would have been his final day on the bench after losing his run for reelection earlier this year.
Yekel was appointed to the state court position in June 2022. WSAV reports that he tried to resign, but his resignation was denied by Governor Brian Kemp, who originally appointed him to the role.
It’s understood a note was sent to Kemp’s office, but the contents of the message have not been published.
Kemp’s office said in a statement: ‘While we are unable to provide comment on an open investigation, Judge Yekel’s family and loved ones are in all our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.’
Yekel had worked as a lawyer in the area for more than 45 years, acting as a special agent for Georgia’s alcohol and tobacco tax unit and an investigator at the Cobb County district attorney’s office.
He’d also previously worked as a former assistant district attourney in Chatham County.
Effingham County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation, with an autopsy set to be carried out by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
It’s thought Yekel took his own life on Monday evening, and his body was found on Tuesday morning.
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For emotional support, you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.
If you're a young person, or concerned about a young person, you can also contact PAPYRUS, the Prevention of Young Suicide UK.
Their HOPELINE247 is open every day of the year, 24 hours a day. You can call 0800 068 4141, text 88247 or email: pat@papyrus-uk.org.
A spokesperson for the county’s board of commissioners said: ‘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.’
Staff are being provided with support and resources following Yekel’s death, the board added.
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