Violent inmate manages to get gun, fatally shoots young mom working in prison kitchen before killing himself

A Georgia inmate somehow got hold of a gun and shot dead a prison kitchen employee before turning the weapon on himself, according to officials.

Jaydrekus Hart, who was facing at least another 19 years in Smith State Prison for voluntary manslaughter, gunned down kitchen worker Aureon Shavea Grace at around 4:30 a.m. Sunday, the state’s Department of Corrections said.

The agency provided few details, including how Hart got the weapon or why he targeted the kitchen worker, who was identified by friends as a 24-year-old mom.

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“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 prison department said.

Grace had only worked since January at the men’s prison in Glennville, which is supposed to be a close-security facility for offenders considered violent or an escape risk.

She was an employee of Aramark, a Philadelphia-based company that provides food services for prisons.

“We are heartbroken over the loss of our colleague and our hearts and prayers go out to her family,” said Aramark spokesperson Debbie Albert.

“This is a tragedy for all of us.”

Hart had been in prison since 2015 on voluntary manslaughter and aggravated battery charges, with an earliest possible release date of June 2043. He was pronounced dead after turning the gun on himself, prison officials said.

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Condolences for Grace flooded an online obituary, with many writing that they were “praying” for her family and children.

“Being a part of the GDC Family. I am deeply saddened for this beautiful soul,” one person wrote.

“Lord knows you’re gone way too soon,” another wrote. “Always have loved you as my own. My condolences to your family and your kids.”

It’s the second time in the last year that a staff member at Smith State Prison has been killed by an inmate.

Correctional officer Robert Clark, 42, was killed in October by an inmate serving time for murder who attacked him from behind with a homemade weapon.

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A state investigation into a longwinded contraband scheme inside the prison resulted in the arrest and firing of the prison’s warden, Brian Adams, in February 2023.

He was charged with racketeering, bribery, making or writing false statements and violating his oath as a public officer.

With Post wires