Statesboro woman killed after Smith State Prison incident

GLENNVILLE, Ga. (WTOC) - A Statesboro woman was killed after an incident at Smith State Prison.

According to the Georgia Department of Corrections, around 4:30 a.m. Sunday, an inmate, Jaydrekus Hart, shot an Aramark food service employee, 24-year-old Aureon Grace of Statesboro, while working in the kitchen. She began her employment at Smith State Prison in January 2024.

Grace was pronounced dead at the scene.

Officials say Hart turned the gun on himself and was transported to a local hospital, where he later died from his injuries. According to the Georgia Department of Corrections, they discovered a personal relationship existed between Aramark employee Grace and offender Hart. A suicide note was also discovered that appears to have been left by Hart.

The weapon is in GDC custody at this time, and GDC Special Agents are investigating.

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

Officials tell WTOC that all DOC facilities are on lockdown Sunday, but visitation is only cancelled at Smith State Prison.

Aramark, Grace’s employer, released the following 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.”

WTOC did reach out to The Department of Corrections Sunday morning, asking how Hart was able to obtain a gun. They told us that they have no further details to provide at this time. We will keep you updated as we continue to learn more.