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Layton Lester, Robert Clark (Images via Georgia Department of Corrections)
A Georgia inmate already serving a life sentence for an armed robbery and murder offense dating back to 2007 is now accused of fatally attacking a correctional officer over the weekend.
Layton Kiev Lester, 32, used a “homemade weapon” on Sunday to attack correctional officer Robert Clark at Smith State Prison, where Clark started working as recently as April, according to the Georgia Department of Corrections.
Lester allegedly attacked Clark as the correctional officer was escorting the inmate and a fellow inmate, identified as Marko Willingham, out of the prison dining hall area.
Willingham, authorities said, “stepped in to assist Officer Clark and was also assaulted,” leading both victims to be taken to nearby hospitals.
Marko Antwon Willingham is also a convicted murderer, prison records say.
Marko Willingham (Georgia Department of Corrections)
He has been an inmate in the state system since 2003 following his felony murder and aggravated assault convictions in Walton County.
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While Willingham was said to have “non-life-threatening injuries,” Clark died at the hospital.
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As a result, Lester will be charged with assault resulting in the death of Clark and assault for the attack on Willingham.
Georgia Department of Corrections Commissioner Tyrone Oliver offered condolences to Clark’s family in a statement on the fatal prison attack.
“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,” Oliver said. “We will support them as they navigate this tragedy over the coming days, weeks and months.”
Prison records reviewed by Law&Crime show that Lester has been incarcerated since 2010 for Tift County-based murder, armed robbery, burglary, and felony firearm possession convictions.
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