Authorities: State court judge dies by suicide at Effingham County courthouse

A state court judge is dead after authorities said he took his own life at the Effingham County Courthouse.

Updated: December 31, 2024, 7:18 p.m. EST

A state court judge is dead after authorities say he took his own life at the Effingham County Courthouse on Tuesday. According to the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office, Judge Stephen Yekel died by suicide after shooting himself. Below in the video: Effingham County Sheriff discusses the investigation so farOfficers I believe it happened sometime overnight. He was found in the courtroom Tuesday by a sheriff’s deputy. ECSO was notified between 10 and 10:30 a.m. The ECSO is investigating. An autopsy will be conducted by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Below video: The scene outside the courthouse Yekel, who lost his bid for re-election earlier this year, sent a letter of resignation to Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp on Dec. 6. In it he said: He would resign effective December 30, one day before the end of his term. By resigning, Kemp would appoint a new judge to fill the position, which would overturn the election results. Kemp responded on December 12, denying the request. No further information was released. Check back for updates on this developing story. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, help is available. Call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline on 988. TRENDING STORIES Funeral plans announced: Where and when to pay your respects to former President Jimmy Carter. “Significant damage”: Crews respond to house fire on Tybee Island. Police investigate suspicious death at Beaufort apartment complex