Lawmakers in Oklahoma and Arkansas are mourning the loss of two former state senators who were found dead in their homes within a span of two days.

CNN reports that in Arkansas, this week's fatal shooting of former Republican state Sen. Linda Collins-Smith is being investigated as a homicide, according to authorities.

In Oklahoma, former state Sen. Jonathan Nichols was found dead from a gunshot in his home in Norman, about 20 miles from Oklahoma City.

Authorities have not provided additional details on the apparently unrelated deaths. Investigations are under way in both states.