An unforeseen tragedy unfolded at Smith State Prison in Georgia early Sunday morning when an inmate fatally shot a kitchen worker and then turned the gun on himself. The Georgia Department of Corrections confirmed that the incident occurred around 4:30 a.m., but details regarding how the inmate came to possess a firearm remain scarce. The department is currently conducting an investigation into the grave occurrence.

The inmate, identified as Jaydrekus Hart, was convicted of voluntary manslaughter and aggravated battery in 2015 and was not eligible for release until 2043, online prison records indicate. "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 agency stated, as reported by WABE. The investigation will aim to thoroughly understand the sequence of events leading to the deaths at the facility, which is known for housing offenders considered violent or an escape risk.

The victim, 24-year-old Aureon Shavea Grace, was employed since January by Aramark, a company that provides food service to prisons, including the Smith State Prison. "We are heartbroken over the loss of our colleague and our hearts and prayers go out to her family," expressed Aramark spokesperson Debbie Albert. The company is cooperating with authorities to aid in the investigation. This incident marks the second death of a staff member at the prison in less than a year, following the killing of correctional officer Robert Clark last October by an inmate with a makeshift weapon, as per WABE.

Back in February 2023, Smith State Prison found itself in the headlines for a contraband scheme, which resulted to ultimately lead to the arrest and dismissal of then-warden Brian Adams on charges including racketeering and bribery. The prison, which can house up to 1,500 inmates, has been spotlighted for its challenges in managing violence and contraband among its population. The Georgia Department of Corrections has not yet released further details on the current incident but has pledged to provide more information once available.