An inmate fatally shot a kitchen worker and then himself at Smith State Prison in rural southeast Georgia early Sunday, as reported by state officials.
The Georgia Department of Corrections announced it is investigating the incident but provided limited details, including how the inmate obtained a firearm. According to their statement, inmate Jaydrekus Hart shot a food service worker in the prison kitchen around 4:30 a.m. on Sunday before turning the gun on himself.
“The weapon is in GDC custody at this time, and a complete and thorough investigation of what led up to this tragic incident will be carried out,” the statement said.
Lori Benoit, an agency spokeswoman, declined to provide further details when contacted by phone, indicating that additional information would be released as it becomes available.
The deceased kitchen worker, identified as 24-year-old Aureon Shavea Grace from Statesboro, had been employed at the prison since January by Aramark, a Philadelphia-based company providing food services to prisons in Georgia and other states.
“We are heartbroken over the loss of our colleague, and our hearts and prayers go out to her family,” Aramark spokesperson Debbie Albert said in an emailed statement. “This is a tragedy for all of us.” Albert also noted that the company is assisting Georgia prison officials with their investigation.
This marks the second killing of a staff member at Smith State Prison within a year. Correctional officer Robert Clark, 42, was killed last October after being attacked from behind by an inmate wielding a homemade weapon.
Earlier this year, a state investigation into a contraband scheme at the prison led to the arrest and dismissal of the warden, Brian Adams, in February 2023. Adams was charged with racketeering, bribery, making false statements, and violating his oath as a public officer.
Hart had been incarcerated since 2015 after being convicted in Carroll County of voluntary manslaughter and aggravated battery, according to online prison records. His earliest possible release date was set for 2043.
Smith State Prison, which can house up to 1,500 inmates, is a close-security facility designated for offenders considered violent or posing an escape risk.
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