An unexpected tragedy unfolded early Sunday morning, June 16, 2024, at Smith State Prison in Glennville, Georgia, where an inmate fatally shot a prison kitchen worker before ending his own life. The Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) verified the occurrence, which happened around 4:30 a.m., resulting in the deaths of both the inmate and the employee.

The inmate, Jaydrekus Hart, was serving out a 20-year sentence for voluntary manslaughter and aggravated battery. He shot Aureon Shavea Grace, a 24-year-old female Aramark food service employee, while she was on duty in the prison kitchen. Grace was pronounced dead at the scene, while Hart, after shooting himself, was transported to a local hospital, succumbing to his injuries there.

The ensuing investigation by authorities uncovered that Hart and Grace shared a personal relationship. The discovery of a suicide note added another layer of complexity to the case. The probe continues, with officials seeking to understand how Hart came into possession of the firearm within the prison.

“This was an isolated incident,” the Georgia Department of Corrections communicated. “We are conducting a thorough investigation to understand the circumstances leading up to this event.”

Debbie Albert, an Aramark spokesperson, conveyed the company’s grief, stating, “We are deeply saddened by the loss of our colleague and extend our heartfelt condolences and prayers to her family.” The company also pledged full cooperation with the GDC’s ongoing investigation.

Grace’s friends and family remembered her, a mother of a four-year-old and one-year-old, warmly. “It was a joy working with you and getting to know your infectious laughter,” one colleague shared on an obituary page. A close friend described Grace as “kind-hearted” and “genuine,” underscoring the profound loss her death represents to those who knew her.

The incident has prompted concerns about the security measures in Georgia’s prison system. The state’s correctional establishments have been under scrutiny over the years for alleged civil rights abuses and systemic issues.

In response to these concerns, Governor Brian Kemp and the GDC announced plans to reassess the operational efficiency of Georgia’s prison system. The state has joined forces with Guidehouse, Inc. to undertake a comprehensive review of prison facilities and policies. The goal of this assessment is to develop recommendations for improved security measures to prevent future similar incidents.