According to officials, the incarcerated man who shot and killed a 24-year-old woman working in the prison kitchen before turning the pistol on himself was in a relationship with her.
Jaydrekus Hart shot Aureon Grace, an Aramark employee, in the Smith State Prison kitchen early Sunday morning in rural southeast Georgia.
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A representative for the Georgia Department of Corrections said on Monday that the investigation revealed a personal relationship between Aramark employee Grace and offender Hart. “Offender Hart appears to have left a suicide note.”
The representative stated that the inquiry is still underway, and it is unclear how he obtained the firearm. Investigators have already taken possession of the pistol.
Hart was serving a 20-year sentence for voluntary manslaughter in Carroll County, with a release date of June 2043.
Aramark is assisting Department of Corrections officials with their investigation.
“We are heartbroken over the loss of our colleague, and our thoughts and prayers are with her family,” Aramark spokesperson Debbie Albert said in a statement. “This is a tragedy for all of us.”
Friends and family have subsequently paid tribute to Grace, describing her as “kind and pure-hearted.”
“It was a pleasure working with you and getting to know you, especially your laughter; we both enjoy eating,” said one colleague on a memorial website. “I’m praying for your family and infants. You will truly be missed.”
Another wrote, “Prayers and love to the family, especially her children. She was a really sweet young lady who was close friends with my daughter; we will miss her greatly.” We adore you.
