Effingham County, Georgia, is mourning the loss of Judge Stephen Yekel, who died by suicide late Monday night in his courtroom. The 74-year-old judge was found on Tuesday morning, which would have marked his final day on the bench after losing his re-election bid to Judge Melissa M. Calhoun.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) is probing the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
Yekel, appointed in 2022, had tried to resign from his position after his electoral defeat, but Governor Brian Kemp declined his resignation, citing respect for “the will of the people of Effingham County.” The judge expressed frustration in his resignation letter, noting the low voter turnout of just 6% during the election.
The late judge had been grappling with personal and professional challenges. His ex-wife, Lisa Yekel, revealed that financial struggles from a failed daycare business weighed heavily on him, though she described him as “respectful, honest, and caring.” Additionally, Yekel faced a lawsuit from a former court employee, Lisa Crawford, alleging wrongful termination.
Effingham County Sheriff Jimmy McDuffie expressed his shock, announcing the courtroom would remain closed until January 2. Meanwhile, the county extended its condolences to Yekel’s family, calling his death a significant loss.
Judge Yekel, a former assistant district attorney and special agent, is survived by his four children. His contributions to law enforcement and the judiciary are now being remembered by the community he served.
