A Georgia state judge has taken his own life inside his courtroom.
The body of Judge Stephen Yekel was discovered inside the Effingham County state court room on Tuesday morning.
Yekel, 74, had recently lost a bid for re-election and was found by a deputy on what would have been his last day on the bench, WSAV reports.
Officials said that he fatally shot himself, but an autopsy will be carried out by The Georgia Bureau of Investigation to determine the exact cause of death.
Effingham County Sheriff Jimmy McDuffie said Yekel was discovered around 10am, but it appeared he had shot himself late Monday night or early Tuesday.
Yekel was appointed to the state court in 2022. He had tried to resign from his position, but was prevented from doing so by Governor Brian Kemp.
McDuffie said he understood Yekel had sent a note to the Governor's office, but did not disclose its contents.
The courtroom has been closed and will resume normal business on January 2.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14239747/georgia-judge-shoots-courtroom-day-office.html