Georgia judge found dead in courtroom on final day on bench in apparent suicide
Police are investigating after a Georgia state judge was found dead in a courtroom on Tuesday.
Effingham County sheriff’s deputies said in a release that they found State Court Judge Stephen Yekel, 74, on Tuesday morning.
He appears to have died by suicide, with a self-inflicted gunshot, the sheriff’s office said.
His death is being investigated by the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation will perform the autopsy.
Authorities said Yekel died sometime late Monday or early Tuesday.
Yekel, who was appointed to the bench two years ago by Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, lost his election bid earlier this year.
His term was scheduled to end Dec. 31, 2024.
In a statement, the Effingham County Board of Commissioners said it was “deeply saddened” by Yekel’s death.
“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,” they said.
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or text Crisis Text Line at 741741.
World News || Latest News || U.S. News
Source link