Judge’s final message hints at replacement after tragedy

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A chilling final message sent by a Georgia judge to Governor Brian Kemp has surfaced, adding a mysterious layer to the tragic courthouse suicide that occurred in December.

The message, which reads “Now they will have to appoint someone,” was sent by 74-year-old Stephen Yekel shortly before he took his life inside Effingham County Court. The cryptic communication was first revealed by Georgia Virtue journalist Jessica Szilagyi, who suggests it might relate to Yekel’s alleged attempts to contest his recent election defeat.

Georgia Judge Stephen Yekel died by suicide in his Effingham County courtroom on December 31, 2024, on his last day in office after losing a re-election bid.

According to reports Yekel had attempted to resign before his term ended, but his resignation was not accepted by… pic.twitter.com/w5hPpSHaNJ

— Zaki Solja (@zakisolja) January 1, 2025

However, the revelation has sparked controversy, with Yekel’s legal assistant, Charlene Kessler, accusing Szilagyi of obtaining the message through unauthorized access to court emails. Szilagyi maintains she acquired the information through legitimate channels.

The late judge’s career spanned more than four decades before his appointment to the bench by Governor Kemp in June 2022. His background included service as a special agent for Georgia’s Alcohol & Tobacco Tax Unit and work as an investigator at the Cobb County District Attorney’s Office.

Prior to his death, Yekel had attempted to resign from his position, but Governor Kemp declined to accept his resignation. The judge’s life had been marked by recent hardships, including his election loss, the death of his best friend, and involvement in a wrongful termination lawsuit.

🚨🚨🚨JUDGE CALLED OUT POSSIBLE CORRUPTION, FOUND DEAD IN COURT ON LAST DAY IN OFFICE🚨🚨🚨

Georgia Judge Stephen Yekel – who shot himself Tuesday in his court room – called out a “long standing conspiracy” within the courthouse. Now he supposedly killed himself? pic.twitter.com/gt4E7ANelC

— The Nicolas Bowling Show (@NicoBowling) January 1, 2025

Financial difficulties also plagued Yekel and his former wife Lisa, stemming from an unsuccessful daycare venture that ultimately contributed to their divorce last year.

“He did everything he could to avoid bankruptcy,” Lisa Yekel said. “Unfortunately, I had used his life savings to keep the daycare open.”

The true meaning behind Yekel’s final message remains uncertain as authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding this tragic event.