Summary

Judge Stephen Yekel, 74, died by suicide in his courtroom on his last day in office after losing a re-election bid.

He was found Tuesday morning at Effingham County State Courthouse, with investigators believing the incident occurred late Monday or early Tuesday.

Yekel, appointed in 2022, had recently attempted to resign but was denied by Governor Brian Kemp.

He was also facing a wrongful termination lawsuit from a former court employee.

      • @[email protected]
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        5 days ago

        I don’t see why not, though they’d probably want a concession like splitting E. WA and E. Oregon into a new state. Regardless, political power tends to change every 2-4 years, a party retaining control over all three houses for more than that is incredibly rare.

        • @NateNate60
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          85 days ago

          I point my finger at Joe Manchin and Kristen Synema for sinking the DC Admission Act back in 2021. We were this close to a 51st state! The bill had already passed the House of Representatives and had the support of every other Democrat. Biden said he’d sign it.