An inmate at Smith State Prison in Georgia tragically shot and killed a kitchen employee before taking his own life, as confirmed by officials from the Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC). The incident occurred on Sunday at the prison in Glennville.
The inmate responsible for the shooting was identified as Jaydrekus Hart, who was serving time for voluntary manslaughter. The victim, Aureon Shavea Grace, was working in the prison kitchen when Hart shot her around 4:30 a.m. Unfortunately, Grace did not survive the attack and was pronounced dead at the scene. Hart, after shooting Grace, turned the gun on himself and was taken to a local hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.
Hart, who was serving the beginning of a 20-year sentence and was due to be released in June 2043, was behind the murder-suicide, according to authorities. The GDC is currently conducting an investigation into the tragic incident, and GDC Special Agents are providing support to the facility during this difficult time.
Officials have not yet revealed how Hart was able to obtain the gun while incarcerated, as inquiries made by Fox News Digital have not been immediately addressed. The weapon used in the incident is now in the custody of the GDC, and a thorough investigation is underway to determine the events leading up to this unfortunate event.
The GDC has promised to provide updates as more information becomes available and confirmed. The community is saddened by this tragic loss of life and is looking to the authorities for answers regarding the circumstances surrounding the incident. It is essential for the safety and security of both inmates and prison staff that a comprehensive investigation is carried out to understand how such a tragic event could have occurred within the confines of the prison.