In a tragic incident at Smith State Prison in rural southeast Georgia, an inmate shot and killed a 24-year-old female food service worker in the prison’s kitchen before turning the gun on himself. The fatal shooting occurred around 4:30 am on Sunday, involving inmate Jaydrekus Hart and food service worker Aureon Shavea Grace, an employee of Aramark.
Details of the incident
Hart, who was serving a 20-year sentence for voluntary manslaughter in Carroll County, with a maximum release date of June 2043, managed to obtain a firearm, the origins of which remain unclear. The Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) has taken the weapon into custody and launched a thorough investigation into the incident. “GDC Special Agents are responding and are providing staffing support to the facility,” the department informed The Independent.
Debbie Albert, an Aramark spokesperson, expressed profound sorrow over the loss of Grace: “We are heartbroken over the loss of our colleague and our hearts and prayers go out to her family. This is a tragedy for all of us.” The company is assisting Georgia prison officials in their ongoing investigation.
Grace was remembered fondly by friends and family as “kind and pure-hearted” with a “beautiful smile.” Colleagues and friends paid tribute to her on an obituary page, highlighting her positive spirit and expressing their deep sorrow and condolences to her family and children.
Previous incidents at Smith State Prison
This incident marks the second fatal event at Smith State Prison within a year. In October, Correctional Officer Robert Clark was killed after being assaulted with a homemade weapon by an offender while escorting inmates from the dining hall. Clark was taken to the hospital but later succumbed to his injuries. Commissioner Tyrone Oliver previously expressed condolences and support for Clark’s family during their time of mourning.
The GDC continues to investigate how Hart obtained the weapon and the circumstances leading to this tragic event. Further details are expected to be released as the investigation progresses.