A Georgia correctional officer was killed Sunday in an attack by an inmate, the state Department of Corrections said.
The department said Robert Clark, 42, a corrections officer at Smith State Prison in Tattnall County, was assaulted from behind with an improvised weapon by an inmate he was escorting from the dining hall.
Another inmate also being escorted by Clark tried to intervene, officials said, and was also injured. That individual was hospitalized with injuries not considered life-threatening, 11Alive reports.
“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,” said Commissioner Tyrone Oliver. “We will support them as they navigate this tragedy over the coming days, weeks and months.”
Offender Layton Lester will be charged in the assault and resulting death of Officer Clark, as well as the assault of offender Marko Willingham, the GDC said in a statement.