A Georgia inmate shot and killed a prison officer before turning the gun on himself, authorities say.
The Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) told Fox News Digital that the shooting happened on Sunday at Smith State Prison in Glenville. The gunman was identified as Jaydrekus Hart, who was incarcerated on a manslaughter charge.
The victim, Orleon Shabair Grace, was working in the prison kitchen at the time of the incident, when Hart shot and killed the 24-year-old woman around 4:30 a.m., authorities said.
Authorities believe Hart then committed suicide. Grace was pronounced dead at the scene, and Hart was taken to a local hospital where he was later pronounced dead.
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Authorities say Smith State Prison inmate Jaedrex Hart was behind the recent murder-suicide. (Georgia Department of Corrections | Google Maps)
“The inmate then turned the gun on himself and was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased,” GDC explained.
The GDC said the murder-suicide was still under investigation. At the time of the incident, Hart was serving the beginning of a 20-year sentence and was due to be released in June 2043.
Georgia authorities said the suspect was serving time in prison for manslaughter. (Google Maps)
“The weapon is currently in GDC’s custody and a full investigation will be conducted into the circumstances that led to this tragic incident,” the official told Fox News Digital. “GDC special agents are responding and are providing personnel support to the facility.”
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The Georgia Department of Corrections is investigating the incident at Smith State Prison. (Google Maps)
“We will provide an update as more details become available and are confirmed.”
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Fox News Digital asked authorities how Hart obtained the gun while in prison, but GDC officials did not immediately respond.
