Judge Stephen Yekel: Georgia judge found dead in courtroom on final day of term

Effingham County state courtroom Choose Stephen Yekel was discovered lifeless in a courtroom on Tuesday morning, the day marking the top of his judicial time period, as reported by WJCL.
Authorities confirmed his dying was the results of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The Effingham County sheriff’s workplace reported that Yekel’s physique was found between 10.00 am and 10.30 am by a deputy.Sheriff Jimmy McDuffie mentioned that investigators imagine the incident occurred the earlier evening.
Yekel, who served within the authorized career for over 45 years, had been appointed to the state courtroom by Georgia governor Brian Kemp in June 2022. Nevertheless, after dropping his re-election bid earlier this yr, Yekel tried to resign from his place however was denied by Kemp.
Officers confirmed {that a} observe was despatched to the governor’s workplace, however the contents haven’t but been disclosed. Sheriff McDuffie addressed the tragedy, providing condolences to Yekel’s household. “That is by no means good for anyone. The household’s distraught. That is purported to be a contented time this time of yr, and now they’ve obtained this. I can’t think about. If they’ve something they want from us, we’ll be obtainable,” McDuffie advised native ABC affiliate WJCL
The Effingham County Sheriff’s Workplace is main the investigation, whereas the Georgia Bureau of Investigation will conduct an post-mortem.
Along with his judicial position, Yekel had a distinguished profession as a lawyer, particular agent, and investigator. He served in numerous authorized and enforcement positions, together with as an assistant district lawyer in Chatham County.