Evelyn GeorgeTATTNALL COUNTY, Ga. – Smith State Prison in Glennville, Georgia, made headlines once again as tragedy struck the facility on Sunday when an inmate brutally attacked and killed 42-year-old correctional officer Robert Clark. The incident has shed light on the ongoing issues of violence and corruption that have plagued the prison for years.
According to the Georgia Department of Corrections (GDOC), Officer Clark was escorting two inmates from the prison’s dining hall when he was ambushed by Layton Lester, one of the prisoners, wielding a makeshift weapon. In a brave attempt to save Officer Clark, the second inmate, Marko Willingham, tried to intervene but was also attacked by Lester.
Both victims were rushed to the hospital. Willingham sustained non-life-threatening injuries during the attack, but sadly, Officer Clark did not survive.
Lester, already serving a life sentence at the jail for murder, has a history of violent crimes. In addition to his murder conviction, Lester faced charges of armed robbery, burglary, and possessing a firearm while committing a crime. This alarming pattern of behavior raises questions about the prison’s ability to manage inmates with violent tendencies.
Smith State Prison has long struggled with issues of violence, understaffing, and corruption. In 2023 alone, the facility witnessed more homicides than any other Georgia prison, with six inmates losing their lives between March and August. This disturbing trend is a reflection of the dire situation within the prison.
Earlier this year, the prison’s former warden, Brian Adams, was arrested and subsequently fired for his involvement in a massive contraband scheme operating from within the facility. Adams faced charges related to Georgia’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, bribery, making false statements, and violating his oath as a public officer. His arrest was part of a broader pattern of corruption among Georgia prison employees, as revealed in an investigative report.
Apart from corruption, the prison has been plagued by violent incidents, including a particularly ferocious attack where four inmates were caught on video assaulting and stabbing another prisoner. These incidents have highlighted the urgent need for improved security measures and stricter control over inmates within Smith State Prison.
The pandemic has exacerbated the issue of understaffing in Georgia’s prisons, and Smith State Prison is no exception. Shockingly, over 70% of correctional officer positions at the facility have remained unfilled for months. This dire staffing situation not only endangers the lives of correctional officers but also compromises the safety of inmates and the overall security of the facility.
Officer Robert Clark’s tragic death is a stark reminder of the risks and challenges that correctional officers face daily. He began his career at Smith State Prison earlier this year, and his untimely death marks the fourth law enforcement officer to die in the line of duty in Georgia in 2023.
Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Corrections Tyrone Oliver 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. We will support them as they navigate this tragedy over the coming days, weeks, and months.”
