EFFINGHAM COUNTY, GA – A chilling scene unfolded at the Effingham County Courthouse early Wednesday morning, leaving the community in shock. Judge Steven Yakel, a respected legal figure in the area for over four decades, was discovered dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound in his courtroom. The unsettling discovery has sent ripples through both the legal community and the county’s residents.
Authorities revealed that Judge Yakel, who had been serving as a state court judge for the past two years, was alone when the incident occurred. Sheriff’s deputies found him around 10 a.m., but the exact timing of the tragic event remains unclear. A farewell note addressed to Georgia Governor Brian Kemp was found at the scene, though its contents have not been disclosed to the public.
Earlier this month, Yakel had requested to resign from his judicial position, a request that was denied by Governor Kemp. Yakel’s tenure was set to conclude following his loss to Melissa Calhoun in a recent re-election bid. The timing of his death, coinciding with his last day in office, adds a poignant layer to the unfolding tragedy.
As news of the judge’s death spread, Sheriff McDuffie expressed deep sympathies for Yakel’s family, acknowledging the profound impact of such a loss, especially during the holiday season. “This is a difficult time for any family, and our thoughts are with them,” he said, offering any support needed by the family in the days ahead.
The Effingham County Commission also issued a statement, extending condolences to Yakel’s family and colleagues. They pledged to provide resources and counseling to those affected by the judge’s sudden passing, underscoring the community’s commitment to supporting one another in times of crisis.
In recent years, Yakel had been embroiled in controversy, facing allegations of judicial misconduct and a lawsuit from a former court employee for emotional distress. These claims, however, were dismissed due to insufficient evidence. Despite these challenges, Yakel remained a prominent figure in the local legal landscape.
Sheriff McDuffie confirmed that there were no ongoing legal actions against Yakel at the time of his death. He reiterated the community’s shared grief and the importance of coming together to support Yakel’s family and friends during this difficult time.
As the investigation continues, the courthouse remains a somber reminder of the tragic loss of a long-serving judge. The local community, still reeling from the news, is left to grapple with the sudden and unexpected departure of a man who dedicated much of his life to the pursuit of justice.