Aureon Grace, 24, tragically lost her life while on duty at Smith State Prison in Glennville, Georgia, where she had recently started working in the kitchen.
A dedicated mother to a 1-year-old son and a 4-year-old daughter from Statesboro, Grace was known for her unwavering commitment to providing for her family.
“She would work 11 days straight, 14 days straight, just to make money to make sure she could provide for her kids,” said her mother, Deshonda Hagins, in an interview with WTOC. “She was a sister, she was a daughter, she was a mother. She was loved.”
Employed by Aramark as a food service employee since January, Grace was fatally shot at approximately 4:30 a.m. on Sunday, June 16, 2024, during her shift in the prison’s kitchen.
The Georgia Department of Corrections reported that the shooter was inmate Jaydrekus Hart, who also died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after the incident.
Hart, serving a 20-year sentence for voluntary manslaughter and aggravated battery from Carroll County, had a personal relationship with Grace, according to prison officials.
A suicide note written by Hart was found, shedding light on the tragic circumstances surrounding the incident.
“Aureon Grace was pronounced dead at the scene. Our hearts go out to her family and loved ones during this difficult time,” stated the Georgia Department of Corrections.
Aramark, Grace’s employer, expressed profound sorrow over the loss:
“We are heartbroken over the loss of our colleague and our hearts and prayers go out to her family. This is a tragedy for all of us, and we are assisting the GA DOC in their investigation.”
Authorities are currently investigating how Hart obtained a weapon while incarcerated, seeking answers to prevent future tragedies within the prison environment.
