A longtime Alabama sheriff was found dead of a gunshot wound in his office Wednesday morning, but investigators do not suspect foul play.
Bibb County Sheriff Keith Hannah, 49, was found dead in a bathroom adjoining his office at the Bibb County Courthouse in Centreville, according to the Tuscaloosa News. Authorities indicated that the gunshot wound may have been self-inflicted.
Hannah, who had been in law enforcement for nearly three decades, was in his fourth term as sheriff, the News reported. He was first elected in 2003.
The Bibb County coroner will take over the duties of the sheriff until Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley can appoint a replacement to finish out the remaining two years of Hannah’s term. The agency’s force is comprised of 10 full-time and six reserve deputies.
Fourth Judicial Circuit District Attorney Michael Jackson told the newspaper that he was stunned by Hannah’s death.
“I've known him for quite a while,” Jackson said. “We worked well together. He was a good sheriff and a good friend.”
An autopsy will be conducted to determine whether the shooting was a suicide, an accident or if other circumstances were involved, the News reported. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s State Bureau of Investigation has taken over the investigation into the shooting.
CENTREVILLE, Ala. — Fellow law enforcement officials and the public mourned Hannah's death on social media.
This is sad. So many because of the general believe that LEO are supposed to be stronger than everyone else and the fear...
Posted by Fabian Fazzari on Wednesday, November 16, 2016
Chief Tommie J. Reese, and the entire staff of the Demopolis Police Department expresses our condolences to the family...
Posted by Demopolis Police Department on Wednesday, November 16, 2016
Cox Media Group
