An Effingham County State Court Judge has died by suicide inside the Effingham County Courthouse.
State Court Judge Stephen Yekel was found dead on the bench Tuesday morning in an apparent suicide, authorities say. The Effingham County Sheriff’s Office said Yekel died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Yekel lost his bid for re-election in the primary runoff to former Juvenile Court Judge Melissa C. Calhoun in June. His final day in office was December 31, 2024.
Yekel Attempted to Resign in Early December
He previously attempted to resign from public office on December 6 in a letter to Governor Brian Kemp. Yekel said, in part:
“I have won two previous elections i.e. May 24, 2022 by over 1,400 votes, and 900 votes over two candidates on May 21, 2024, but a runoff was required on July 18, 2024, that I did not win. I feel that the office of State Court Judge of Effingham is too important to be decided by only 6% of the eligible voters in Effingham County.” (Complete letter below)
Yekel’s reference to the 6% was the primary election runoff turnout in June.
Notably, December 30th was one day before the final day of his term and would have triggered an appointment by Governor Kemp to fill not just the remainder of the term, but a full two year term, much like the one he received in 2022 with his own appointment by Kemp. An appointment would nullify the election results and, even if Kemp appointed the winner – Melissa Calhoun – she would only be able to serve a two year term before having to run again, as opposed to the four-year term she ran for in the election.
Kemp Denied Yekel’s Request to Essentially Overturn the Election
Kemp subsequently rejected that resignation, noting that he would honor “the will of the voters.”
Yekel was also facing a lawsuit from a former state court employee, though the matter was still in its early stages. Earlier in 2024, Yekel sued then-Effingham County Clerk of Court Jason Bragg over Bragg’s refusal to give Yekel unbridled access to Clerk of Court office records.
Prior to serving as the State Court Judge, Yekel was the Conflict Defender for the circuit.
The Effingham County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident. An autopsy will be conducted by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
This story is developing.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or thoughts of suicide, a lifeline for support is available. The 988 Lifeline is for everyone. Through the 988 Lifeline, you have access to free one-on-one assistance. Skilled, judgment-free counselors are available o provide compassionate support. Dial *988 on any phone.
