In a mysterious but sorrowful circumstances Judge Stephen Yekel, 74, tragically ended his own life inside his courtroom, at Effingham, Georgia.
His lifeless body was found on Tuesday morning, and it was believed he was shot late Monday night or in the early hours of Tuesday.
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This heart-wrenching event occurred on what was supposed to be his final day serving as a judge, after he has recently lost his re-election campaign.
Yekel had tried to resign from the position he held since his appointment in 2022, but Governor Brian Kemp prevented him resignation.
The reason behind his attempt to resign remain unclear, as the content of a letter sent to the Governor’s office have not been made public.
According to Mail Online, which cited local media, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation is currently looking into the matter.
Effingham County Sheriff, Jimmy McDuffie, expressed his astonishment and sorrow, revealing that the courtroom would remain closed until January 2. The county has extended it’s condolences to Yekel’s family and loved ones, describing his death as a tragic loss.
A Father-of-four Yekel has an extensive legal career, having worked as an assistant district attorney in Chatham County and as a practicing attorney for over 45 years.e
I’m addition, he had previously served as a special agent with the state’s Alcohol & Tobacco Tax Unit and worked as an investigator with the Cobb County District Attorney’s Office.
In his resignation letter to the Governor Kemp, Yekel voiced his disappointment over the low voter turnout in the election he lost. When a judge resigns, the Governor appoints a replacement rather than holding another election.
Yekel stated that the position was, “too important to be decided by only 6% of eligible voters”.
However, Governor Kemp rejected his resignation request, stating he wishes to maintain, “respect for the will of the people of Effingham County.”
In May, Yekel’s ex-wife Lisa Yekel shared a post on Facebook which outlined several issues that had reportedly affected his re-election campaign.
She dismissed rumors their divorce, which occurred the previous year, was due to infidelity and denied claims that he had asked a police officer not to issue him a citation following a car accident.
“His best friend who passed away recently had Steve’s car in his shop for repairs and loaned him a vehicle to use, which is the reason he was not driving his car when he was involved in the accident,” she wrote.
“He was on the way home after visiting our daughter who had just moved into her apartment in Pooler.
“The Steve Yekel I know never would have asked the police officer not to give him a citation. He has always taken responsibility for his actions.”
She also hinted at financial struggles the couple had endured due to a failed daycare business.
“He did everything he could to avoid bankruptcy,” she added. “Unfortunately, I had used his life savings to keep the daycare open.
“In my defense, I was too lenient on parents who couldn’t pay their bills and they eventually left owing thousands of dollars, again that’s my fault, not Steve’s.”
She concluded the post by stating her ex-husband was, “one of the most respectful, honest, and caring people I know” and encouraged people to re-elect him.
The couple had two children Sean and Ashleigh, alongside with Yekel’s sons Blake and Brett from a previous relationship.
“Throughout my service, I’ve upheld the principles of dignity, respect, and impartiality, treating all individuals, whether represented by legal counsel or not, with fairness and equality,” Yekel stated in a post about his campaign.
Ultimately Yekel lost his re-election bid to Judge Melissa M Calhoun.
The late judge was also dealing a lawsuit from court employee Lisa Crawford who claims she was wrongfully dismissed by Yekel , according to WTOC.
Crawford is seeking $10,000 in damages alleging that Yekel fired her to make room for his own staff when he took office.
An email reportedly submitted as part of the lawsuit included am accusation from Yekel to Crawford alleging she was part of a “conspiracy scheme” to help people charged with DUI reduce or dismiss their charges.
Crediblenewsng.com
