Bibb County Sheriff Keith Hannah was found dead at his office in the central Alabama town of Centreville yesterday.
District Attorney Michael Jackson says Hannah's body was discovered yesterday morning. He says it was located in a bathroom connected to Hannah's office at the sheriff's department.
Jackson says preliminary evidence indicates Hannah died of a gunshot wound, but there was no immediate indication of any foul play.
The prosecutor says an autopsy will be conducted to determine whether the Hannah's death was a homicide, a suicide, an accident or something else. The Alabama Bureau of Investigation will also assist in the case. Jackson calls Hannah's death shocking.
Hannah was first sworn in as sheriff in 2003. He first went to work with the sheriff's office as a deputy at age 21.
Bibb County Coroner Downey McGhee will take over as acting sheriff until Governor Robert Bentley appoints a permanent replacement to serve the rest of Hannah’s term, which ends in 2018.