The Gist: Inmate Jaydrekus Hart shot an Aramark food service employee and then himself at Smith State Prison early this morning. Both the prisoner and the employee are dead.
The Details: According to the Georgia Department of Corrections, at approximately 4:30 a.m. on June 16, inmate Jaydrekus Hart opened fire in the kitchen of Smith State Prison, killing an Aramark food service employee. After the shooting, Hart turned the gun on himself. Both Hart and the employee were pronounced dead, with Hart succumbing to his self-inflicted wound at a local hospital.
By The Numbers:
- Time of incident: 4:30 a.m.
- Date: June 16th, 2024
- Inmate: Jaydrekus Hart
- Victim: Aramark food service employee (Name not released)
- Sentence: 20 years for voluntary manslaughter
- Release Date: Maximum release date of June 2043
The Big Picture: This tragic event raises serious questions about security and weapon access within the correctional facility. Hart was serving a 20-year sentence for voluntary manslaughter from Carroll County. The weapon used in the incident is now in Georgia Department of Corrections custody, and a comprehensive investigation is underway to determine how it was obtained and what led to this violent outbreak.
Why It Matters: This incident raises significant concerns regarding inmate safety, staff security, and contraband control within state prisons.
What’s Next?: Corrections department special agents are currently on-site, providing additional staffing support and leading the investigation. More updates will be provided as details become available and are confirmed.
