Memphis doctor shot and killed in exam room, patient charged with first-degree murder

Dr. Benjamin Mauck, 43, was reportedly shot and killed at the Campbell Clinic in Collierville, Memphis on Tuesday afternoon by a patient that had reportedly been threatening him for at least a week, WREG reports. The suspect, Larry Pickens, 29, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder. Bail has been set at $1.2 million.

Authorities arrested Pickens at the clinic and investigators are working to determine a possible motive.

Collierville Police Chief Dale Lane called the situation "horrific" and "terrible" during a press briefing, and explained that the public is not in danger, as this was a one-on-one interaction, not a mass shooting incident.

"It's bad. It's horrific. It's terrible," Chief Lane said. "So, this appears to be a one-on-one interaction that occurred within an exam room. This was not a mass shooting situation."

The police department wrote in an update that the "suspect in this incident is in custody as we continue to investigate."

The clinic released a statement on Tuesday night and announced that they will be closing the location until further notice.

"Earlier today, we experienced a single shooter event inside our Collierville clinic. We are shocked and heartbroken to confirm the incident resulted in the tragic loss of one of our highly respected and beloved physicians, Dr. Ben Mauck," the clinic said. "We ask that you please lift his family in prayer."

"During this difficult time, we will be working through many details and will keep you updated as we are able. We have decided to close all Campbell Clinic locations tomorrow, July 12 and will communicate the reopening of all facilities at a later time," they added.

Dr. Mauck was remembered as a phenomenal doctor who was lauded by his patients as "kind, funny, and smart" and credited him for saving their lives with his work, Daily Mail reports.

Dr. Mauck leaves behind his wife, Rhiannon Mauck, and their two young children.