GLENNVILLE, Georgia – A corrections officer was killed on Sunday at Smith State Prison in south Georgia, after being attacked by an inmate with a homemade weapon, according to a statement from the Georgia Department of Corrections. The officer, identified as Robert Clark, 42, was escorting two offenders from the dining hall when he was assaulted from behind by one of them. Another inmate, Marko Willingham, came to Clark’s aid during the attack and was also injured. Clark was transported to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries, while Willingham remains hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.

The incident has sparked mourning and condolences from Commissioner Tyrone Oliver, who stated, “The entire GDC team is mourning the loss of one of our own and we collectively express our deepest condolences to Officer Clark’s family and friends.” He also promised to provide support to Clark’s loved ones during this tragic time.

The inmate responsible for the assault, Layton Lester, is expected to face charges for the fatal attack on Clark, as well as for assaulting Willingham, according to the Georgia Department of Corrections. Lester has a troubled history, having been previously convicted of a 2007 murder and armed robbery. He has been incarcerated since 2010, according to online prison records.

This incident is just one in a string of troubling events at Smith State Prison. In February, the prison’s warden was fired and arrested on charges of conspiracy, bribery, false statements, and violation of oath by a public officer. The case was connected to an investigation into the killing of an 88-year-old local man, which revealed the involvement of a Smith State Prison inmate in smuggling contraband.

Moreover, an investigation conducted by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution revealed that since 2018, over 425 employees of the Georgia Department of Corrections have been arrested for crimes committed on the job, with many cases involving contraband.

The killing of Officer Clark highlights the dangers faced by corrections officers and the ongoing challenges within the Georgia prison system. Investigation into this incident and the overall security situation at Smith State Prison are likely to continue, as authorities seek to address the issues within the facility and ensure the safety of both staff and inmates.