The death of a Georgia state judge in a courtroom on Tuesday is being looked into by police.
They said in a press statement that they found 74-year-old State Court Judge Stephen Yekel on Tuesday morning.
Sheriff’s office said it looks like he killed himself with a gun and committed suicide.
The sheriff’s office in Effingham County is looking into his death, and the autopsy will be done by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
The police said Yekel died late Monday night or early Tuesday morning.
Yekel was put on the bench by Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp two years ago, but he lost his election bid earlier this year.
His term was set to end on December 31, 2024.
The Board of Commissioners for Effingham County said in a statement that they were “deeply saddened” by Yekel’s death.
“The Effingham County Board of Commissioners and staff are deeply saddened by the tragic death of Judge Steve Yekel at the Effingham County Courthouse today, and we offer our condolences to his family and loved ones,” they wrote.