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Georgia Judge Shoots Self, Dies In Courtroom

Published

1 year ago

January 1, 2025

Effingham County, Georgia, is reeling from tragedy as Judge Stephen Yekel, 74, died by suicide inside his courtroom.

The incident occurred late Monday night into early Tuesday, on what would have been his last day on the bench following a recent election loss.

Yekel’s body was discovered Tuesday morning, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, GBI, is currently probing the circumstances surrounding his death.

Judge Yekel, who had served since his appointment in 2022, attempted to resign from his position after losing his re-election bid.

However, Governor Brian Kemp rejected his resignation, citing a desire to respect “the will of the people of Effingham County.”

Yekel expressed frustration in his resignation letter, stating that only 6 per cent of eligible voters had participated in the election he lost to Judge Melissa M. Calhoun.

Yekel’s death follows a difficult year marked by personal and professional challenges. His ex-wife, Lisa Yekel, had publicly defended him against rumours related to their divorce and his re-election campaign.

She also revealed financial difficulties stemming from a failed daycare business and described him as “one of the most respectful, honest, and caring people I know.”

In addition to his election loss, Yekel was facing a lawsuit from court employee Lisa Crawford, who alleged wrongful termination and sought $10,000 in damages.

Crawford claimed Yekel fired her to replace her with his own staff and accused her of conspiring to reduce charges for DUI offenders, allegations Yekel denied in an email submitted as evidence in the case.

Effingham County Sheriff Jimmy McDuffie expressed shock and sadness over the incident, announcing that the courtroom would remain closed until January 2.

The county extended its condolences to Yekel’s family and loved ones, describing his death as a significant loss.

Governor Kemp has yet to issue a formal statement regarding the tragedy.

Judge Yekel had a long and distinguished career in law enforcement and the judiciary. Before he was appointed judge, he served as an assistant district attorney in Chatham County and worked as a special agent with Georgia’s Alcohol and Tobacco Tax Unit.

He leaves behind four children—Sean, Ashleigh, Blake, and Brett—and a legacy of service that many in the community are now mourning.

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Indian Court Denies Bail To Nigerian Man Over Drug Charges

Published

2 hours ago

May 28, 2026

Editor

A court in India has denied bail to a 44-year-old Nigerian national, Cristian Soporuchukwu, who is currently facing drug trafficking charges in the country.

Cristian Soporuchukwu initially entered India on a business visa but was later arrested over allegations of involvement in the sale of hard drugs.

Reports indicated that after arriving in India, Soporuchukwu travelled through Goa, Delhi, and Mumbai, where he allegedly established links with suspected drug traffickers.

He was accused of purchasing MDMA crystals and distributing them to college students and information technology workers.

According to reports, operatives of the Beguru Police arrested Cristian Soporuchukwu in April 2025 for allegedly selling MDMA crystals around Begur Lake and the AECS Layout Road area.

The New Indian Express reported that the High Court of Karnataka subsequently dismissed the Nigerian’s bail application.

“The anti-narcotics wing seized about 1 kg of MDMA crystals, a pocket weighing machine, 10 zip-lock covers, a mobile phone and a scooter from him,” the report stated.

Justice V. Srishananda, while ruling on the bail application, reportedly held that errors relating to the grounds of arrest could not automatically justify bail in serious narcotics-related offences under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, NDPS, Act.

The court further noted that Cristian Soporuchukwu had allegedly overstayed his visa in India, according to the report.

Headline

Strait Of Hormuz: US Announces Sanctions Against Iran

Published

2 hours ago

May 28, 2026

Editor

The United States Treasury has announced sanctions against Iran’s Persian Gulf Strait Authority.

Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent, said this in a statement on Wednesday.

The statement extended the threat of sanctions to anyone paying the fees, saying they may be providing support to and receiving services from Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, and therefore may be exposed to sanctions risk.

“The Iranian military’s latest attempt to extort global maritime trade is proof that Economic Fury has left the regime desperate for cash.

“Treasury has deprived the Iranian regime of revenue for their weapons programs, terrorist proxies, and nuclear ambitions,” Bessent said.

Bessent added that the US has succeeded in disrupting tens of billions of dollars’ worth of revenue from being accessible to Tehran.

Headline

US Launches New Airstrikes On Iran

Published

2 hours ago

May 28, 2026

Editor

The United States has launched new airstrikes in southern Iran.

The strike shot down four one-way attack drones that posed a threat around the Strait of Hormuz and then a ground control site.

A US official revealed that American forces struck an Iranian ground control station in Bandar Abbas that was about to launch a fifth drone.

The official described the strikes as purely defensive, saying the US intended to maintain the ceasefire.

Report says this is the second time in three days that the US has carried out self-defense strikes against Iranian military targets in southern Iran.

Recall that on Monday the US carried out airstrikes against Iranian missile locations and boats that US Central Command said were preparing to launch mines in the Strait of Hormuz.