OKEMAH, Okla. — A convicted killer was sentenced to life in prison Friday, but not before he attacked one of his attorneys.

Kevin Sweat, 28, had pleaded guilty in July to three counts of first-degree murder. His victims, 13-year-old Taylor Paschal-Placker and 11-year-old Skyla Whitaker, were shot to death in 2008 along a rural road near Weleetka, about 90 miles east of Oklahoma City.

On Friday, Sweat and his attorneys met in the judge’s chambers at the Okfuskee County Court House. During the meeting, according to District Attorney Max Cook, Sweat produced a type of blade and lunged at his attorney, cutting the man’s neck.

The courtroom was locked down immediately after the incident and Sweat’s sentencing hearing was delayed for about an hour. The attorney, who Cook said was not seriously injured, did not return to court.

At the hearing, Sweat was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.