Georgia Inmates On Run: $60K Reward For Capture; 2 Officers Dead In 'Heinous Act'

PUTNAM COUNTY, GA — Local, state and federal law enforcement officers are combing parts of Georgia after two correctional officers were shot and killed in what the governor called a "heinous act" by two inmates who escaped in Putnam County. The fugitive prisoners being sought are Donnie Russell Rowe, 43, and Ricky Dubose, 24, says the Georgia Department of Corrections.

A $60,000 reward is being offered for information that leads to the capture of the inmates, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. The reward is expected to increase, officials said.

Prison officials say the Baldwin State Prison officers killed Tuesday are Christopher Monica and Curtis Billue. A break-in at a home in Madison, on Interstate 20, may be linked to the fugitives, who are being hunted by dozens of police officers. The men also were reportedly spotted at a Family Dollar store in Madison. (Get Patch's Daily Newsletter and Real Time News Alerts. Or, if you have an iPhone, download the free Patch app.)

Rowe, also known as "Whiskey," is a white male, 6 foot 1 inch tall, 181 pounds with blue eyes and brown hair. He is serving life without parole for armed robbery and aggravated assault; he was housed at Baldwin State Prison in Milledgeville. Corrections officials say Dubose is a white male, 6 foot 1 inch tall, 140 pounds with blue eyes and brown hair; he is serving a 20-year sentence for armed robbery and was also housed at Baldwin State Prison. The suspects are armed and considered dangerous, say authorities.

Georgia Department of Corrections Commissioner Gregory C. Dozier says the duo overpowered two Baldwin State Prison transfer guards driving a state prison transport bus with a total of 33 inmates. The officers were disarmed by the inmates, and both officers were shot and killed.

The inmates are believed to have carjacked a 2004 green Honda Civic 4-door, with GA License plate RBJ6601. If you see these fugitives or the vehicle, call 911 and do not approach.

The Fox station in Atlanta has tweeted a photo that it says is of the car the wanted suspects are driving:

“Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of two of our officers, who are our family, and our priority is to locate these fugitives and bring them to justice for this heinous act against those working to protect the public,” said Dozier in a news release.

CBS Atlanta reports that the two inmates broke into a Madison residence to steal clothes, left behind their prison garb and fled. Their car hasn't been found. The town is north of the fatal shootings and sits on Interstate 20.

About 31 other prisoners were on the bus when the guards were shot, the sheriff said, and they remained on the bus awaiting authorities, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution says.

Monica, 42, began his career with the Department of Corrections in October 2009 as a correctional officer at Hancock State Prison. He transferred to Baldwin State Prison in February of 2011. He was promoted to sergeant at Baldwin State Prison in July of 2012. In July of 2016, Monica accepted a job at the Transportation Unit in Milledgeville. He recently accepted a part-time position at Augusta State Medical Prison, as well.

Billue, 58, began his career with the Georgia Department of Corrections in July 2007 at Frank Scott Correctional Facility as a correctional officer. He transferred to Georgia Diagnostic Classification Prison in August of 2009. Billue transferred to Baldwin State Prison in October 2011. He accepted a position at the Transportation Unit in Milledgeville in March 2013.

Both officers were known for their unwavering commitment to their job and their love of family, Dozier said.

Gov. Nathan Deal vowed to deploy every state resource necessary to help capture the inmates.

“Today, two families lost everything in a heinous and senseless act of violence perpetrated at the hands of cowards,” Deal said in a statement. “Words do not adequately express our sorrow in losing Sergeant Christopher Monica and Sergeant Curtis Billue in the line of duty. The selflessness and courage of these two brave souls will not be forgotten, nor will their sacrifice and service. "

Anyone with information should call the authorities: (404) 679-9000 to reach the FBI or (706) 485-8557 to contact the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office.

Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills told WSB that the shooting happened on a prison transport bus Tuesday morning en route to a work program.

Sills said they have "no idea where (the inmates) are," and that the inmates have an hours-long head start.

Led by the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, multiple local, state and federal agencies are assisting in the investigation, Deal said. State law enforcement agencies involved in the manhunt include the Georgia Department of Corrections, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the Georgia Department of Public Safety and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Joining them are the U.S. Marshals Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force, the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. Local law enforcement officers engaged in the effort include the Baldwin, Greene, Henry and Jasper Counties sheriffs’ offices and the Eatonton Police Department.

Patch will update this breaking news story.

»Photos of Donnie Russell Rowe and Ricky Dubose courtesy of Georgia Department of Corrections