A Georgia judge tragically took his own life in his courtroom, marking a somber end to his judicial career.
Effingham County: It’s a really sad story coming out of Georgia. Judge Stephen Yekel, who was 74, shot himself in his own courtroom on what was supposed to be his last day on the job.
He was found by a deputy on Tuesday morning, but it seems he passed away late Monday night or early Tuesday. This is just heartbreaking.
The local sheriff’s office and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation are looking into what happened. Yekel had been appointed to the state court just last year.
Before this tragic event, he had tried to resign, but the governor didn’t accept it. It’s tough to think about what he must have been going through.
Sheriff Jimmy McDuffie expressed his condolences, saying the family is devastated. It’s supposed to be a joyful time of year, and now they’re facing this loss.
Adding to the stress, Yekel was dealing with a lawsuit from a former court employee who claimed she was wrongfully fired. It’s a lot for anyone to handle.
Yekel was a family man, married with four kids, and had a background as an assistant district attorney. The community is mourning his loss.
The Effingham County Board of Commissioners released a statement, expressing their sadness and offering support to his family.
Since the incident, the courtroom has been closed, but it’s set to reopen on January 2. It’s a tough situation for everyone involved.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out for help. In the U.S., you can call or text 988 for support. It’s important to talk to someone.
