In a heartbreaking turn of events, Effingham County State Court Judge Stephen Yekel was found deceased in his courtroom from a self-inflicted gunshot wound on what was to be his final day in office. Authorities have confirmed that the judge took his own life, a decision reportedly influenced by recent election losses. Prior to the tragedy, Yekel wrote a note addressed to Governor Brian Kemp. The incident has deeply impacted the local community, prompting reactions from the Effingham County Board of Commissioners. The courthouse has been closed in light of this unfortunate event.