(Hookerton, N.C.) — An inmate who was serving life for a Rockingham County murder was killed in an altercation with another prisoner this week. The North Carolina Department of Public Safety that says William Walls was struck Monday evening at Maury Correctional Institution. He was found unresponsive and was pronounced dead a little over an hour later, following CPR from correctional officers, medical staff and local paramedics.

State prison officials say the 72-year-old Walls died during a fight with another inmate.

Walls was convicted of second-degree murder in Rockingham County on Nov. 29, 1979, and was serving a life term.

The Greene County Sheriff’s Department and the State Bureau of Investigation are investigating Walls’ death. DPS says it “will seek criminal prosecution against any offender involved in the altercation.”

No further details were provided.