GA Judge Dies By Suicide In Courtroom On Last Day Of Term

SPRINGFIELD, GA — A Georgia judge appears to have died by suicide on the last day of his term after being found dead by a deputy Tuesday in a courtroom, authorities said.

Effingham County Sheriff Jimmy McDuffie told news media that a judge, identified in reports as State Court Judge Stephen Yekel, was found dead between 10 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. after seemingly dying of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

McDuffie, who appeared at a news conference, said the suspected suicide possibly occurred Monday night at the Effingham County Courthouse.

He added a note had been sent to Gov. Brian Kemp but would not say if it was a suicide note.

McDuffie confirmed Yekel tried to resign from his post last week but that Kemp's office rejected the resignation.

Patch has obtained a copy of the resignation letter, as well as Kemp's response.

In his resignation, Yekel said he won two elections: one by 1,400 votes in May 2022 and another by 900 votes in May 2024.

However, Yekel said he was unsuccessful in the required July 18 runoff.

"I feel that the Office of State Court Judge of Effingham is too important to be decided by only 6 percent of the eligible voters of Effingham County," Yekel wrote.

He set his last day in office for Monday, Dec. 30, according to the letter. According to Kemp's response, Yekel's final day was scheduled for Tuesday.

In his letter, Kemp said he rejected Yekel's resignation and that the newly elected Melissa Calhoun would fill the judicial seat starting Wednesday.

"I was pleased to appoint you to the bench in June 2022-filling the vacancy created by Judge Ronald Thompson's appointment to the Ogeechee Circuit Superior Court-as you had already successfully won election to the Effingham State Court that May," Kemp wrote.

"However, regardless of the low turnout for this year's runoff election cited in your letter, the people of Effingham County have spoken once again, this time electing Ms. Melissa Calhoun to the State Court bench for a term beginning January 1, 2025. The results of a fair election should not be nullified on the basis of a manufactured legal technicality."

Kemp noted a state code that indicates resignations are valid only when accepted by the appointing power.

"Accordingly, your resignation is not effective unless and until I accept it. And out of respect for the will of the people of Effingham County, I must decline to do so," Kemp wrote. "Thank you for your service to the Court and our State. I wish you the best throughout the remainder of your term and in all your future endeavors."

In a statement to Patch, Kemp's office said it does not comment on open investigations. Representatives added, "Judge Yekel’s family and loved ones are in all our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time."

There were no cases scheduled on Yekel's docket this week, McDuffie said.

The sheriff offered his condolences to Yekel's family.

"This is never good for anybody," McDuffie said. "The family's distraught. It's supposed to be a happy time this time of year, and now, they've got this. ... I can't imagine."

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation will oversee the autopsy, McDuffie said.

Effingham County is located about 37 miles north of Chatham County, home to Savannah.

If you or someone you know is considering self-harm or suicide, there are resources available. The National Suicide Prevention Hotline operates 24 hours a day and can be reached at 988. The Crisis Text Line can provide support through text messages by texting "HOME" to 741741.