A state Correctional Officer died at the hands of an inmate Sunday morning at Smith State Prison in Glennville. The Georgia Department of Corrections reports that Officer Robert Clark was escorting two inmates from the dining facility when one of those inmates, Layton Lester who was serving time for murder, assaulted Clark from behind using what has been described as a homemade weapon. The other offender, Marko Willingham, stepped in to assist Officer Clark and was injured in the attack and taken to the hospital.

“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.”

Officer Clark was 42 years of age and had only been employed with the Department of Correction since April of this year.

Offender Layton Lester, GDC# 1000168433 will be charged in the assault and resulting death of Officer Clark, as well as the assault of offender Marko Willingham, GDC# 1137040.