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An inmate shot and killed a 24-year-old woman who worked in the prison kitchen before turning the gun on himself.
The deadly shooting happened early Sunday morning at Smith State Prison in rural southeast Georgia.
Jaedrex Hart shot and killed a female food service worker in the prison kitchen at about 4:30 a.m. The worker identified herself as Orleon Shavea Grace, an employee of food service company Aramark.
The Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) is investigating.
“The weapon is now in the custody of GDC and a full and thorough investigation will be carried out into the circumstances that led to this tragic incident,” police said. Independent“GDC Special Agents are responding and providing personnel support to the facility.”
Hart is serving a 20-year sentence in Carroll County for intentional homicide, with a maximum release date of June 2043.
It is unclear how Hart obtained the weapon, and a prison spokesman said more details would be released when they were available.
“We are heartbroken by the loss of our colleague and our thoughts and prayers go out to her family,” Aramark spokeswoman Debbie Albert said in a statement. “This is a tragedy for all of us.”
The company was cooperating with Georgia prison authorities in their investigation.
Friends and family paid tribute to Grace, describing her as having a “kind and pure heart” and a “beautiful smile”.
“It was a pleasure working with you and especially knowing your laugh. We both love to eat,” one colleague wrote on the obituary page. “Praying for your family and baby. You will be truly missed.”
One person wrote: “Sending prayers and love to the family especially the children. She was the sweetest woman and my daughter's best friend. We will truly miss her. Love you.”
“Your spirit and vibe is Grace,” another person posted. “You are such a kind and pure heart and you don't deserve this.”
This is the second fatality to occur at Smith State Correctional Facility in less than a year, following the murder of a corrections officer in October.
Corrections Officer Robert Clark was escorting two inmates from the dining hall when an inmate attacked him from behind with a homemade weapon, the GDC said at the time.
The other assailant intervened to help Clark and was similarly assaulted. Clark, 42, was taken to hospital for treatment but later died from his injuries.
“The entire GDC team is mourning the loss of one of our colleagues and our deepest condolences go out to Officer Clark's family and friends,” Chief Tyrone Oliver said in a statement at the time.
“We will continue to support them as they weather this tragedy in the days, weeks and months ahead.”
