Tragic incident at Smith State Prison claims life of Statesboro woman

Father’s Day morning was rocked by a devastating incident at Smith State Prison in Glennville, Georgia, that left a Statesboro woman dead. According to the Georgia Department of Corrections, a heartbreaking event occurred around 4:30 a.m. when inmate Jaydrekus Hart shot and killed 24-year-old Aureon Shavea Grace, a young Aramark food service employee from Statesboro, while on duty in the prison kitchen.

Grace died in the shooting. Tattnall County Coroner Brad Anderson confirmed her death at the scene. In a tragic turn of events, Hart turned the gun on himself and was taken to a nearby hospital. Despite medical efforts, he succumbed to his injuries shortly thereafter.

The weapon used in the incident is currently in the custody of the Georgia Department of Corrections, and law enforcement officials there have launched a thorough investigation into the circumstances of the tragedy.

Hart, who was serving a 20-year sentence for manslaughter and aggravated assault in Carroll County, was given a maximum release date of June 2043. As a precautionary measure, all Department of Corrections facilities across the region have been locked down, but visits are prohibited only at Smith State Prison.

Aramark, the company Grace worked for, expressed its deep sadness over the loss of its colleague in a released statement: “We are devastated by the tragic loss of our team member and extend our deepest condolences to her family. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time. We are cooperating fully with the Georgia Department of Corrections in their investigation of this heartbreaking event.”

The Statesboro community mourns the loss of Aureon Grace, a bright young woman whose life was ended by a senseless act of violence.