South Georgia Judge dead after apparent suicide at Effingham County courthouse

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

The Effingham County Sheriff’s deputies said in a release that they found State Court Judge Stephen Yekel, 74, on Tuesday morning. 

He appears to have died by suicide, with a self-inflicted gunshot, the sheriff’s office said.

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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 night or early Tuesday morning.

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

His term was scheduled to end Dec. 31, 2024.

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

“The Effingham County Board of Commissioners and staff are deeply saddened by the tragic death of Judge Steve Yekel at the Effingham County Courthouse today, and we offer 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.