An unsettling event unfolded at Smith State Prison in Glennville, Georgia when an inmate fatally shot a female prison kitchen employee before committing suicide early on Sunday morning, June 16, 2024. The Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) confirmed the incident which took place around 4:30 a.m. and resulted in the deaths of both the inmate and the employee.
The inmate, Jaydrekus Hart, who was serving a 20-year sentence for voluntary manslaughter and aggravated battery, shot 24-year-old food service worker Aureon Shavea Grace, who was on duty in the prison kitchen. Grace was employed by Aramark, a food service company. Grace was pronounced dead at the scene, while Hart was transported to a nearby hospital following his self-inflicted gunshot, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
In the course of the investigation, authorities uncovered that Hart and Grace shared a personal relationship. The discovery of a suicide note added another layer to the already complex case. The investigation continues, with officials still working to understand how Hart was able to secure a firearm within the prison.
“This was an isolated incident,” the Georgia Department of Corrections reported. “We are conducting a thorough investigation to understand the circumstances leading up to this event.”
Aramark spokesperson Debbie Albert shared the company’s sentiments: “We are deeply saddened by the loss of our colleague and extend our heartfelt condolences and prayers to her family.” The company also stated, “We are cooperating fully with the Georgia Department of Corrections in their investigation.”
Grace was remembered by friends and family with warmth and fondness. “It was a joy working with you and getting to know your infectious laughter,” wrote a colleague on her obituary page. Another close friend described her as “kind-hearted” and “genuine,” signaling the profound impact of her loss on all who knew her. Grace was a mother to a four-year-old daughter and one-year-old son.
This incident has prompted questions about the adequacy of security measures within Georgia’s prison system. The state’s correctional facilities have been under scrutiny and faced criticism over the years, with ongoing investigations into alleged civil rights abuses and other systemic issues.
In response to the incident, Governor Brian Kemp and the GDC have announced plans to reassess the operational efficiency and effectiveness of Georgia’s prison system. The state has engaged Guidehouse, Inc. to conduct a comprehensive review of prison facilities and policies. The aim of this assessment is to develop recommendations to enhance security and prevent similar tragedies in the future.
