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Police are investigating after a Georgia state judge was found dead in a courtroom on Tuesday.

Effingham County sheriff’s deputies said in a news release that they located State Court Judge Stephen Yekel, 74, Tuesday morning.

He apparently died by suicide and a self-inflicted gunshot, the sheriff’s office said.

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Effingham County sheriff’s deputies said in a news release they found 74-year-old state court judge Stephen Yekel. (State Court Judge Stephen Yekel via Facebook)

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 evening or early Tuesday morning.

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Yekel, who was appointed to the bench by Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp two years ago, lost his bid earlier this year.

His term was scheduled to end on December 31, 2024.

Judge Stephen Yekel, 74, was found dead of suspected self-inflicted gunshot wounds at the Effingham County Courthouse in Springfield, Georgia. (Google Maps)

In a statement, the Effingham County Board of Commissioners said it was “deeply saddened” by Yekel’s death.

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“The Effingham County Board and staff are deeply saddened by the tragic death of Judge Steve Yekel today at the Effingham County Courthouse, and we extend our condolences to his family and loved ones,” they said.

Fox News Digital has reached out to the Effingham County Board of Commissioners for comment.