Metro Atlanta inmate fatally shoots food service worker, then himself at southeast Georgia prison, officials say

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – A metro Atlanta inmate fatally shot a food service worker at a southeast Georgia prison before turning the gun on himself early Sunday morning, according to the Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC).

A department spokesperson said inmate Jaydrekus Hart shot an Aramark food service employee while he was working in the kitchen at Smith State Prison around 4:30 a.m.

The GDC spokesperson said the employee died. The victim has not yet been identified.

The spokesperson said Hart then committed suicide. He was transported to an area hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

“The weapon is currently in the custody of the GDC and a full and thorough investigation into what led to this tragic incident will be carried out,” the spokesperson said in a statement. “GDC Special Agents respond and provide staffing support to the facility.”

Hart was serving a 20-year sentence for voluntary manslaughter in Carroll County, with a maximum release date of June 2043, the GDC spokesperson said.

All GDC facilities are closed following the incident, according to the department.

If you are in trouble and need help, call 988 for a suicide and crisis lifeline.

Copyright 2024 WANF. All rights reserved.