A food service worker was shot and killed by an inmate at a Georgia prison in what appears to be a murder-suicide, according to the Georgia Department of Corrections.
According to authorities, the incident occurred around 4:30 a.m. on Sunday, June 16, at Smith State Prison, a maximum security facility in Glenville.
Authorities said inmate Jaderex Hart shot and killed 24-year-old Orleon Shabeah Grace, who worked in the prison kitchen. Grace was an Aramark food services employee.
Hart was later pronounced dead at a hospital by suicide, authorities said.
The weapon was confiscated by corrections officers, and authorities said it was unclear how Hart obtained the gun.
“We are heartbroken by the loss of our colleague and our thoughts and prayers go out to her family,” Aramark spokesperson Debbie Albert said in a statement to WXIA. “This is a tragedy for all of us.”
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Hart is serving a 20-year sentence in Carroll County for intentional homicide, with a maximum release date of June 2043, authorities said.
Authorities did not provide further details but said the investigation was continuing.
Glenville is about 65 miles southwest of Savannah.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or suicidal thoughts, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by calling or texting 988.
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