911 recordings detail moments after suspected murder-suicide at Smith State Prison

GLENNVILLE, Ga. (WSAV) – 911 recordings from the night of June 16, 2024, detail what appears to be chaos and confusion following the apparent murder-suicide at Smith State Prison. According to the Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC), inmate Jaydrekus Hart shot Aureon Grace, a contract food service employee, before killing himself.

This 911 call was made by a prison employee. There is shouting in the background and some confusion about what happened in the kitchen.

911 Operator: “You said there were two patients?”

Smith SP Employee: “Yes, there are two patients. They are both unconscious… She has lost a lot of blood at the moment.”

According to the GDC, Hart and Grace had a personal relationship.

During the call, the employee on the phone warned no one to go to the kitchen, where the shooting allegedly took place.

Smith SP Employee: “All units are to remain in their places and do not enter this kitchen. Do not enter the kitchen at this time. I repeat, do not enter this kitchen at this time.”

We hear these employees asking each other what to do and who to call.

Susan Burns, founder of They Have No Voice, heeded the call and says it is because of this tragic outcome that she continues to advocate for the rights of prisoners and workers.

“This is literally the worst thing I’ve ever seen that’s related to a prison,” she said, “and there’s no one in charge. No one knows what to do. It just highlights the lack of training and the inability to communicate. The staffing issue comes up again.”

WSAV has heard from other employees that the environment at Smith State is not safe. Some employees who were injured by inmates are now suing the GDC.

Meanwhile, rumors were circulating on social media that Director Jacob Beasley had been suspended. News 3 reached out to the GDC who said he is still the interim director.

The GDC does not comment on ongoing investigations.