The Georgia inmate who was involved in a disturbing murder-suicide at Smith State Prison was in a relationship with the prison worker he killed, officials say.
Jaydrekus Hart, a convicted voluntary manslaughter, killed a 24-year-old prison employee named Aureon Shavea Grace early Sunday morning at the prison in Glennville. Grace, an employee at food service company Aramark, was working in the prison kitchen at the time.
Authorities say Hart shot Grace to death around 4:30 a.m. before turning the gun on himself. Grace was pronounced dead at the scene, while Hart was pronounced dead later at a local hospital.
The Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) told Fox News Digital that its investigators believe the two deceased had a personal relationship.
CALIFORNIA PRISONER DIES IN CUSTODY AFTER DRINKING TOO MUCH WATER
Jaydrekus Hart, an inmate at Smith State Prison, was reportedly behind the recent murder-suicide. (Georgia Department of Corrections / Google Maps)
“During the course of the investigation, it was discovered that a personal relationship existed between Aramark employee Grace and offender Hart,” a spokesperson said.
“A suicide note that appears to have been left by Hart was also discovered.”
The GDC spokesperson did not reveal the nature of the relationship. Officials are still investigating how Hart obtained a gun in prison.
MINNESOTA PRISON LOCKDOWN 'RESOLVED' AFTER DOZENS OF INMATES REFUSED TO RETURN TO THE CELLS
Georgia officials say the suspect was serving time for an involuntary manslaughter incident. (Google Maps)
Hart was serving a 20-year prison sentence at the time of his death. He was scheduled to be released from prison in June 2043.
The GDC is still investigating the murder-suicide. No additional details are available at this time.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
The Georgia Department of Corrections is actively investigating the Smith State Prison incident. (Google Maps)
“This was an isolated incident and the investigation remains open and active,” the GDC told Fox News Digital. “We will not be able to comment further at this time while the investigation continues.”
