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Who is Layton Lester? Convicted inmate kills guard with 'homemade weapon' in Georgia prison

Layton Lester allegedly killed prison guard Robert Clark and injured another inmate inside Smith State Prison in Georgia

GLENNVILLE, GEORGIA: Layton Nester, a convicted prisoner serving a life sentence for a murder armed robbery in 2007, has allegedly killed a prison guard inside Smith State Prison on October 1 with a 'homemade weapon'.

The correctional officer Robert Clark, 42, was attacked from behind when he was escorting Lester from a jail dining hall, said officials.

The Georgia Department of Corrections said in a press release that Clark was killed and another inmate who tried to intervene was also wounded.

How did Layton Nester Kill Robert Clark?

The assault on Clark was carried out using a 'homemade weapon' while he was escorting two inmates from the dining area, said officials.

The other inmate, Marko Willingham, came to Clark's aid but was injured in the process.

On being taken to a local hospital, Clark was pronounced dead. Willingham remains in the hospital recovering from his injuries, according to the corrections department.

The official statement tweeted by the department reads, "On Sunday, October 1, Correctional Officer Robert Clark was escorting two offenders from the dining hall when one offender assaulted him from behind with a homemade weapon. The other offender stepped in to assist Officer Clark and was also assaulted. Both Officer Clark and the offender who assisted were transported to local hospitals."

"Officer Robert Clark, 42, began his GDC career at Smith SP in April of this year, and has tragically succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. The offender who assisted remains hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries."

Robert Clark's death mourned by Georgia Department of Corrections

GDC Commissioner Tyrone Oliver said in a statement, "The entire (Georgia Department of Corrections) team is mourning the loss of one of our own and we collectively express our deepest condolences to Officer Clark’s family and friends."

His statement added, "We will support them as they navigate this tragedy over the coming days, weeks and months.”

Governor of Georgia Brian Kemp has expressed his condolences over the killing, writing on X, "Today we join the public safety community in mourning the loss of Corrections Officer Robert Clark. Please join us in praying for his family, loved ones, and the Georgia Department of Corrections at this time.”

Lester is now expected to face additional charges, with the assault and resulting death of Clark, as well as the assault on Willingham.