New details released in murder-suicide by inmate at Ga. prison

GLENNVILLE, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - An inmate killed a worker and himself at Smith State Prison early Sunday, according to the Georgia Department of Corrections.

At about 4:30 a.m. Sunday, inmate Jaydrekus Hart shot an Aramark food service employee while working in the kitchen at Smith State Prison, the agency said.

The worker, Aramark food service employee Aureon Grace, 24, of Statesboro, while working in the kitchen.

Grace was pronounced dead at the scene.

The inmate turned the gun on himself and was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

During the course of the investigation, it was discovered that a personal relationship existed between the two of them, the Department of Corrections said Monday.

A suicide note was also discovered that appears to have been left by Hart.

The weapon is in state custody, and a complete and thorough investigation will be carried out, officials said.

Special agents are responding and are providing staffing support to the facility.

Hart was serving 20 years for voluntary manslaughter out of Carroll County with a maximum release date of June 2043.

Aramark, Grace’s employer, released this statement: “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, and we are assisting the GA DOC in their investigation.”