Two Saline County Sheriff’s deputies have returned to work after a month long probe by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation clears them of any wrongdoing in a shooting incident that fatally wounded 35-year-old Brock Nichols.

Saline County Attorney Ellen Mitchell concluded in her review of the case, “The use of force was lawful and justified.”

The deadly shooting occurred on the night of January 6th, while deputies were conducting a welfare check on a child in a home at 2388 East K-4 Highway.

After deputies had been inside with Nichols for some time, he went to the bathroom and then into a dark bedroom. Concerned about the dark room, one of the deputies turned on a light.

Authorities say Nichols then turned toward both deputies, pointing a semi-automic handgun at them. Both deputies fired at Nichols, hitting him.

Nichols was transported to Salina Regional Health Center, where he died. The unnamed deputies where then placed on paid leave.

Sheriff Glen Kochanowski tells KSAL News that supervisors are now working with the both deputies, as they transition back into regular duties, “They have to live with this the rest of their lives,” he said.