An inmate who shot and killed a 24-year-old woman working in the prison kitchen before shooting himself was in a relationship with the victim, according to officials.
Jaydrekus Hart shot Aureon Grace, an employee of the food service company Aramark, early Sunday morning in the kitchen of Smith State Prison in southeast Georgia.
The Georgia Department of Corrections said they discovered a personal relationship between Grace and Hart during the investigation. They also found a suicide note left by Hart.
The investigation is ongoing, and it’s still unclear how Hart obtained the weapon. The gun is now with investigators.
Hart was serving a 20-year sentence for voluntary manslaughter in Carroll County, with a maximum release date of June 2043.
Aramark is helping the Department of Corrections with the investigation.
“We are heartbroken over the loss of our colleague, and our hearts and prayers go out to her family,” said Aramark spokesperson Debbie Albert. “This is a tragedy for all of us.”
Friends and family have 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 loved to eat,” wrote a colleague on an obituary page. “Praying for your family and your babies. You are truly going to be missed.”
Another person wrote: “Sending prayers and love to the family, especially her kids. She was a really sweet young lady, close friends with my daughter. We’re really gonna miss her. We love you.”