Judge Stephen R. Yekel of the State Court of Effingham County. Courtesy photoJudge's Suicide Sparks Chatter Over Judicial Election
The suicide of a Georgia judge is making national headlines. After being appointed to a new seat on the Effingham County State Court in 2022, Judge Stephen R. Yekel died on the bench during the final hours of his term that had been set to expire Dec. 31, 2024.
January 02, 2025 at 05:54 PM
6 minute read
What You Need to Know
- Effingham County State Court Judge Stephen R. Yekel commits suicide Dec. 30, 2024 inside his courtroom.
- Jurist's death sparks speculation about potential motives and conversations about legal wellness resources.
- Following 2022 appointment, Yekel lost his retention campaign to former Ogeechee Judicial Circuit Juvenile Judge Melissa M. Calhoun in June.
The suicide of a Georgia judge is making national headlines.
After being appointed to a new seat on the Effingham County State Court in 2022, Judge Stephen R. Yekel died by suicide on the bench during the final hours of his term, which had been set to expire Dec. 31, 2024.
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