Effingham County, Georgia, is mourning the loss of Judge Stephen Yekel, 74, who died by suicide in his courtroom late Monday night. His body was discovered early Tuesday morning, on what would have been his final day on the bench following his re-election defeat.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) has launched an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Yekel’s death, which has shocked the local community and the legal fraternity.
Appointed as a judge in 2022, Yekel had submitted his resignation after losing the election to Judge Melissa M. Calhoun. However, Governor Brian Kemp rejected his resignation, citing respect for the voters’ choice. Yekel had expressed frustration over the low voter turnout, noting in his resignation letter that only 6% of eligible voters participated in the election.
The past year was particularly challenging for Yekel, marked by personal and professional struggles. His ex-wife, Lisa Yekel, publicly defended him against rumors related to their divorce and his election loss. She revealed that the family faced financial strain due to a failed daycare business but described him as “one of the most respectful, honest, and caring people I know.”
Yekel was also entangled in a lawsuit filed by court employee Lisa Crawford, who accused him of wrongful termination and sought $10,000 in damages. Crawford alleged that Yekel fired her to hire his own staff and claimed he accused her of conspiring to reduce charges for DUI offenders—an accusation Yekel denied in court filings.
Effingham County Sheriff Jimmy McDuffie expressed his condolences and announced the temporary closure of the courtroom until January 2. The county government also extended sympathy to Yekel’s family, describing his death as a significant loss to the community.
Judge Yekel had a distinguished career before his judicial appointment, serving as an assistant district attorney in Chatham County and as a special agent with Georgia’s Alcohol and Tobacco Tax Unit.
He is survived by four children—Sean, Ashleigh, Blake, and Brett—who, along with the Effingham County community, are left mourning his legacy of service and dedication. Governor Kemp has not yet issued a statement on the tragedy.
