NORMAN, Okla. (AP) — Norman police are investigating after former state Sen. Jonathan Nichols was found dead of an apparent gunshot wound inside his home.

Police confirmed in a press release Thursday they discovered the body of the 53-year-old inside his west Norman home after receiving a call Wednesday night of an individual with a gunshot wound.

Police say the case remains under investigation and that they are working with the medical examiner's office to determine the exact cause and manner of his death.

Nichols is a former Republican state senator from Norman who served from 2000 to 2012. After that he took staff positions with the state House, Senate and the University of Oklahoma.