A tragic incident unfolded at Smith State Prison in rural southeast Georgia early Sunday, where an inmate, identified as Jaydrek, fatally shot a prison kitchen worker before turning the gun on himself. The incident occurred around 4:30 a.m., as reported by FOX 5 Atlanta. The Georgia Department of Corrections confirmed that they have taken custody of the weapon and have stated that a "complete and thorough investigation" into what led up to the shooting will be conducted.

Hart, who had been serving a 20-year sentence for voluntary manslaughter and aggravated battery since 2015, was not due to possibly be released until June 2043. Details regarding how Hart came to possess a firearm within the correctional facility have yet to be released. The corrections department, while declining to give out immediate information on the matter, informed AP News that further details would be made available following the investigation, as AP News cited.

The staff member who lost her life in the incident was 24-year-old Aureon Shavea Grace of Statesboro, an Aramark food service employee since January. In wake of the tragedy, Aramark spokesperson Debbie Albert expressed the company's sorrow stating, "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." Aramark is collaborating with Georgia prison officials to aid in the ongoing investigation, as reported by AP News.

This is the second instance of a staff fatality at Smith State Prison in less than a year's time. A correctional officer, Robert Clark, was killed last October after an inmate attacked him with a homemade weapon. In February 2023, a contraband scheme investigation led to the arrest and subsequent firing of the prison's warden, Brian Adams, on charges including racketeering and bribery, further disturbing the prison's troubled history. Smith State Prison is a maximum-security facility designed to house offenders considered violent or an escape risk, asserting capacity for approximately 1,500 inmates.