UPDATE | One of two escaped inmates who led investigators on manhunt headed to court

Thursday, Jan. 4, 2018

PUTNAM COUNTY, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) -- Ricky DuBose, one of two inmates who escaped from a prison transport bus after killing two corrections officers last June and led multiple agencies across the state on a multi-day chase will have his first appearance in court.

The hearing for DuBose is scheduled for 9 a.m. Friday, Jan. 5 in Putnam County Superior Court.

DuBose and Donnie Rowe were described by investigators as "dangerous beyond description". Rowe was serving a life sentence without parole. DuBose was serving a sentence that would have had him in prison until 2034.

The escaped inmates ransacked houses and stole multiple vehicles along their journey and put the entire state's law enforcement agencies on high alert. A reward for their capture topped $130,000.

The two inmates were eventually captured in Tennessee after they held a couple hostage in the home at gunpoint, ate their beef stew dinner, and stole their Jeep.

The manhunt caused the Georgia Department of Corrections to revisit policies and procedures, and implement some changes to transport buses. Bond was denied for both DuBose and Rowe, and both are currently facing the death penalty.

Friday, July 21, 2017

FORSYTH, GA. – After two inmates escaped from prison, killing two correction officers on June 13 , Corrections Commissioner Gregory C. Dozier announced the findings of both external

and internal After Action Review Panels.

Confirmed in a press release from the Georgia Department of Corrections, the external panel was tasked with conducting a thorough review of the incident and related internal inmate transport procedures and policies, while the internal team reviewed the overall transportation process.

Both teams, though, were assembled and began their reviews immediately following the capture of Dubose and Rowe.

Commissioner Dozier first reiterated the magnitude of the incident, and said, “Our hearts remain heavy for the losses to the families, our agency and our state. We ask for your continued prayers for Sergeants Billue and Monica’s family and friends, who will be trying to make sense of this heinous, violent act in the days, months and years to come.”

Given the circumstances surrounding last month’s tragedy, Commissioner Dozier requested assistance by other law enforcement partners to ensure any and all possible recommendations were considered and underwent a thorough review. On hand were representatives from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Georgia State

Patrol and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources who participated in an external review and assessment of

the incident, providing valuable insight and recommendations for future consideration.

What's more, GDC simultaneously assembled an internal team, responsible for review of existing processes and

procedures related to the overall inmate transport process. The internal panel consisted of subject matter experts from within GDC with a broad range of backgrounds, which inlcuded security, training, transportation, legal, and intelligence.

Immediately following the incident and ultimate capture, GDC took immediate short-term actions, implementing the following measures:

• Refresher Training for all Transport Officers

• Trailing Vehicle assigned to each transport bus

• Duty Officer at each facility, assigned to ensure compliance of transport procedures.

And, the presentation of findings of the external review panel revealed several security breaches outside standard policies. Those breaches were, failure to search inmates prior to boarding bus, failure to double-lock handcuffs, failure to continuously supervise inmates on bus, failure to lock the door separating driver compartment from inmate compartment and failure to wear assigned duty equipment.

With the finding of these direct results, additional recommendations are also being reviewed and considered.

The following are the recommendations:

- Installation of key retaining padlocks on gates in transport buses

- Expanded role of facility Chief of Security to include supervision of:

- Verification of double-locked cuffs

- Weapons not issued unless Officers wearing assigned duty gear

- Oversight of pre-load checklist to verify bus equipment operational

- Permanent addition of trail vehicle

- Video coverage of entire transport bus

- Annual Refresher Training required for all Transport Officers

“Everything is on the table and up for discussion,” said Commissioner Dozier in a press release. “Any recommendations made by the teams that may enhance our procedures and impact the safety of our Officers and the public will seriously be considered for implementation.”

Commissioner Dozier added, “We must remain vigilant and do everything within our power to ensure this type

of tragedy never happens again.”

The GDC has one of the larger prison systems in the nation, and is responsible for supervising nearly 52,000 statewide

prisoners. And, it is the largest law enforcement agency in the state with approximately 10,500 employees.

For more information on the GDC call 478-992-5247.

Thursday, July 20, 2017

ATLANTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) -- Commissioner Gregory C. Dozier will speak on the Georgia Department of Corrections review of the June 13 escape of two inmates who murdered two correctional officers.

The meetings will take place 10 a.m. in the Department of

Natural Resources Board Room in Atlanta.

In an effort to maintain the integrity of both investigative and prosecutorial processes, the meeting will be a briefing

only, and will focus on the assessment of the incident as well as the actions taken to-date.

News 12 First at Five / Wednesday, June 21, 2017

PUTNAM COUNTY, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) -- The men accused of starting a multi-state manhunt sat in cuffs in front of a judge in the county where it all started. More than a week after investigators say Donnie Rowe and Rickey Dubose shot and killed two corrections officers on a prison transfer bus, then fled to Tennessee, they're back in Putnam County to hear what lies ahead for them.

Ricky Dubose and Donnie Rowe, who once sat together in a jail cell, now sit side by side in a Putnam County Courthouse. More than a week after investigators say they shot two corrections officers and took off, they're back in chains to hear their charges including hijacking, felony eluding, and two counts of murder.

While Rowe sat almost stoically, Dubose shifted in his shackles. glancing around the courtroom. He looked as the family of Sgt. Curtis Billue entered the court room. Billue is one of the officers deputies say these inmates shot and killed with a handgun.

"We're grieving very deeply right now and that's about all I can say about it," Sgt. Billue's sister Denise Billue said.

Judge Trammell told the inmates there's no chance of bond because of the severity of their charges. The prosecution says they're aiming for the death penalty.

Billue's family did not comment on the death penalty, but they do say they want justice.

A death penalty case will take more time, the attorneys can leave no stone un-turned, and then the state can face a number of appeals.

Sgt. Billue's family says they hope to see a resolution soon, and they're grateful for the work law enforcement has put in.

Dubose and Rowe will have to decide whether or not to plead guilty or not guilty. The prosecution will also have to file a death notice in order to seek the death penalty. The prosecution has to file 250 motions for the death penalty for the unified appeals process.

Wednesday, June 21, 2017

PUTNAM COUNTY, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) -- Two recaptured Georgia inmates who escaped after killing two corrections officers last week faced a Putnam County judge on Wednesday.

Ricky Dubose and Donnie Rowe were both charged with two counts of murder, hijacking and fleeing the scene, and these are only the charges they face in Putnam County.

Bond was denied for both Dubose and Rowe. The prosecution is seeking the death penalty for both inmates.

PUTNAM COUNTY, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - Inmates Ricky Dubose and Donnie Rowe are in court in Putnam County for the first time since being re-captured by authorities after investigators say the two shot and killed two corrections officers.

Today's hearing relates to charges they face in Putnam only. Other charges, including burglary and kidnapping, are pending in two states by multiple law enforcement agencies.

Friday, June 16, 2017

DECATUR, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) -- As the investigation into Ricky Dubose and Donnie Rowe continues, Georgia Bureau of Investigation is recognizing the bravery of unknown Tennessee civilians who helped in their apprehension.

According to the GBI, the reward of $130,000 will be dispersed at the appropriate time. There were several aspects involved in their apprehension, investigators say, and officials are going to continue to review those aspects and determined how the money will be dispersed.

Dubose and Rowe reportedly held guns to a couple's heads and threatened to kill them if they resisted. The man was tied up with a belt and socks were put on his hands. When the man manged to work his way free, they put him in a chokehold.

In addition to holding the couple at gunpoint, the two escapees at the couple's dinner, beef stew. They proceeded to steal clothing and jewelry, and then took a green Jeep Cherokee and left the scene.

Fifteen minutes later, the couple got free and called the police.

Dubose and Rowe were caught in Rutherford County, close to the Bedford County line. Sheriff Swing stated that shots were exchanged, but no one was hit or injured.

In a first appearance hearing Friday, Dubose and Rowe both waived their right to extradiction.

Thursday, June 15, 2017

BEDFORD COUNTY, Tenn. (WRDW/WAGT) -- Two escaped Georgia inmates captured in Tennessee invaded a home and held a couple at gunpoint Thursday afternoon.

Bedford County Sheriff Austin Swing said they received a call between 5 and 5:30 p.m.

Earlier Thursday around midday, Bedford County Sheriff's deputies found an abandoned car on the highway covered with grass and branches, they initially had no idea it had to do with the escappees at the time. They towed the small white two-door car in, it was later determined that they stole this car after ditching the white Ford F-250 in Moore County, south of Bedford County.

The escapees arrived at the home of a couple between 2:30 and 5:30 in the afternoon, and forced themselves in at gunpoint. Sheriff Swing says the two suspects wrestled the man and got control of the situation.

Dubose and Rowe reportedly held guns to the couple's heads and threatened to kill them if they resisted. The man was tied up with a belt and socks were put on his hands. When the man manged to work his way free, they put him in a chokehold.

In addition to holding the couple at gunpoint, the two escapees at the couple's dinner, beef stew. They proceeded to steal clothing and jewelry, and then took a green Jeep Cherokee and left the scene.

Fifteen minutes later, the couple got free and called the police.

Dubose and Rowe were caught in Rutherford County, close to the Bedford County line. Sheriff Swing stated that shots were exchanged, but no one was hit or injured.

Rowe reportedly had family in Marshall County, west of Bedford County. Investigators were expecting them to come to this area.

Sheriff Swing states the couple is extremely traumatized, but they have family with them and are dealing with the situation. Their home is being processed for evidence by FBI and local police agencies.

Dubose and Rowe reportedly told the couple that they (Dubose and Rowe) would probably be dead in 24 hours and they had nothing to lose.

The two inmates reportedly overpowered and killed Sgt. Christopher Monica and Sgt. Curtis Billue early Tuesday on a bus that should have been secured as it carried inmates between prisons.

(WRDW/WAGT) -- The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is confirming that two escaped inmates wanted for killing two corrections officers have been captured.

Our NBC and CBS affiliates in Nashville, TN are reporting that there was a confirmed sighting of the escapees in Shelbyville, TN. Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal confirmed this on Twitter.

reports that Shelbyville Police confirmed that a couple was found tied up on Kindree Road. Police said a black Jeep and guns were stolen. Police there believed it to be Rowe and DuBose. Shelbyville Police confirmed to WSMV-TV that deputies were involved in a foot chase on Interstate 24.

WSMV continues to report that police officials stopped a car they believed to be Rowe and DuBose on Interstate 24 near the Epps Mill Road exit. The escaped inmates left the car and fled on foot in the area before being captured.

This is a developing story, check back for updates.

MORGAN COUNTY, Ga. (AP) -- Authorities say the reward has increased to $130,000 for information leading to the arrest of two escaped Georgia inmates wanted for killing two corrections officers.

Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills said law enforcement agencies in Georgia and beyond are conducting "the greatest effort I have ever seen" to hunt the fugitives — 43-year-old Donnie Russell Rowe and 24-year-old Ricky Dubose.

Authorities say the men overpowered two corrections officers on a prison transport bus Tuesday and grabbed their guns. Sgt. Christopher Monica and Sgt. Curtis Billue were fatally shot.

Sills says it's possible the escapees may have fled Georgia after three days on the run. David LeValley, agent in charge of the FBI's Atlanta office, told reporters that "we are expanding, not shrinking, our effort to find these individuals."

ATLANTA (AP) — The search for two Georgia inmates sought in the killing of their corrections officers during an escape from a prison bus went into its third day Thursday and the scope of the manhunt is expanding

Authorities do not know whether Donnie Rowe and Ricky Dubose are still in Georgia or still traveling together, Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills told reporters Wednesday.

"They've certainly had time to get out of the state," Sills said.

Sills said the two inmates overpowered and killed Sgt. Christopher Monica and Sgt. Curtis Billue early Tuesday on a bus that should have been secured as it carried inmates between prisons. The pair then carjacked a driver who pulled up behind the bus, and fled in his Honda Civic down state Highway 16 in Putnam County, southeast of Atlanta.

Signs of the fugitives turned up hours later and 25 miles north, in Madison, where they ransacked a house, ditched their prison uniforms, and took food and likely clothes as well. Then they stole a pickup truck from a nearby industrial site sometime between 6 p.m. Tuesday and 6 a.m. Wednesday, Sills said.

That's where the trail goes cold.

The Honda was found Wednesday, intentionally concealed in a wooded area near the burglarized house, Sills said. Authorities are asking the public to keep an eye out for the stolen 2008 white Ford F250 pickup truck with the Georgia tag BCX-5372.

The FBI promised a "comprehensive update" on the investigation at a Thursday news conference with state and local law enforcement officials in Madison.

Meanwhile, Sills appealed for the public to help locate the truck and the fugitives, and to call 911 immediately if they spot them. He called them violent repeat offenders and extremely dangerous, having taken the guards' 9 mm pistols.

"They just murdered two corrections officers in a brutal fashion," Sills said. "They're not concerned with anything regarding human life."

Sills agreed with reporters that Dubose will have trouble hiding his prominent tattoos, which include crowns above his eyebrows, a star below his right ear and graffiti-style letters all across his neck. Sills said Dubose also has "ghost" tattooed on his right forefinger and "face" on his right pinky finger — signs of membership in the Ghost Face Gangsters.

Rowe, 43, has been serving life without parole since 2002, and Dubose, 24, began a 20-year sentence in 2015. Both were convicted of armed robbery and other violent crimes. They have been cellmates more than once in Georgia's prisons, had known each other for "quite a while" and may have planned the escape together, Department of Corrections Assistant Commissioner Ricky Myrick said.

The other 31 inmates have been questioned, and a camera on the bus recorded the corrections officers being shot, but corrections officials have not explained to the public how the pair managed to get through the normally locked door of the inmate compartment to attack the guards.

"They were inside the caged area of the bus," Sills said. "How they got through the locks and things up to that area I do not know."

The sheriff said he's watched the bus video on a cellphone, and couldn't immediately tell which inmate fired the fatal shots.

Monica, 42, and Billue, 58, were both transfer sergeants at Baldwin State Prison. Monica had been with the Georgia Department of Corrections since October 2009 and Billue since July 2007.

"Officer Billue's family asks for prayers for all of those who are now placing their own lives at risk to bring these men to justice and asks anyone who has information that may assist in apprehending these perpetrators to please contact law enforcement," Jim Green, an attorney who's speaking for the Billue family, said in an email Tuesday.

The reward for information leading to their arrest grew Wednesday to $91,000, contributed by multiple agencies, the sheriff's office said.

Wednesday, June 14, 2017

PUTNAM COUNTY, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) -- Putnam County Sheriff's Office investigators have located a green Honda Accord that was previously stolen by two escaped prisoners who killed two correctional officers on Tuesday.

The green Honda was found in the woods not far from the scene of the burglary in Morgan County.

Now authorities also are searching for a 2008 white Ford F250 pickup truck with the Georgia tag BCX-5372.

If you see this truck, contact authorities immediately.

ATLANTA (AP) — Two Georgia cellmates who killed their guards and escaped from a prison bus have stolen a second vehicle as they try to stay ahead of a massive manhunt, a sheriff said Wednesday.

Donnie Russell Rowe, serving life without parole, and Ricky Dubose, who has prominent tattoos on his face and neck, took a white pickup truck from an industrial site sometime between 6 p.m. Tuesday and 6 a.m. Wednesday, potentially enabling them to get hours away before the theft was discovered, Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills said.

Sills described the fugitives as violent repeat offenders and extremely dangerous, having taken the guards' 9 mm pistols. He urged anyone who sees them to call 911 immediately.

"They just murdered two corrections officers in a brutal fashion," Sills said. "They're not concerned with anything regarding human life."

Immediately after the killings early Tuesday, the pair carjacked a driver who happened to pull up behind the bus on a rural highway, and drove away in a "grass green," four-door 2004 Honda Civic with the Georgia license plate number RBJ-6601, authorities said.

They left 31 other inmates locked in the bus with the two dead guards, and took the driver's phone. By the time help arrived, they had vanished.

Hours later, authorities converged on the small city of Madison, about 25 miles to the north, where they determined the fugitives had ransacked a house around 10:30 a.m. Tuesday. Sills said they took some food and likely some clothes, since they left their prison uniforms behind.

Authorities put up roadblocks, only to discover Wednesday morning that the pickup had been stolen, from a site about 9 miles away from the burglary. Now authorities also are searching for a 2008 white Ford F250 pickup truck with the Georgia tag BCX-5372. Since they haven't found the Honda Civic yet, it's not clear whether the fugitives are still together.

"It's very frustrating," Sills said. "We need the public's help in locating these vehicles and locating these individuals."

Sills agreed with reporters that Dubose will have trouble hiding his prominent tattoos, which include crowns above his eyebrows, a star below his right ear and graffiti-style letters all across his neck. Sills said Dubose also has "ghost" tattooed on his right forefinger and "face" on his right pinky finger — signs of membership in the Ghost Face Gangsters.

Both escaped inmates were serving long sentences for armed robbery and other crimes. The Department of Corrections website indicates Rowe has been serving life without parole since 2002, and Dubose began a 20-year sentence in 2015.

The inmates have been cellmates more than once in Georgia's prisons, had known each other for "quite a while" and may have planned the escape together, Department of Corrections Assistant Commissioner Ricky Myrick said.

Baldwin State Prison officers Sgt. Christopher Monica and Sgt. Curtis Billue were driving 33 inmates between prisons when Rowe and Dubose overpowered them and then used the guards' guns to kill them around 6:45 a.m. Tuesday, authorities have said.

The other inmates have been questioned and a camera on the bus recorded the guards being shot, but corrections officials have not explained to the public how the pair managed to get through the inmate compartment's normally locked door.

"They were inside the caged area of the bus," Sills said. "How they got through the locks and things up to that area I do not know."

The sheriff said he's watched the bus video on a cellphone, and couldn't immediately tell which inmate fired the fatal shots.

Monica, 42, and Billue, 58, were both transfer sergeants at Baldwin State Prison. Monica had been with the Georgia Department of Corrections since October 2009 and Billue since July 2007.

"Officer Billue's family asks for prayers for all of those who are now placing their own lives at risk to bring these men to justice and asks anyone who has information that may assist in apprehending these perpetrators to please contact law enforcement," Jim Green, an attorney who's speaking for the Billue family, said in an email Tuesday.

The reward for information leading to their arrest grew Wednesday to $90,000, contributed by multiple agencies, Sills said.

Sills said it's likely the pair has left the Madison area. Many law enforcement officers from local, state and federal agencies are hunting for them. "They've certainly had time to get out of the state," Sills said.

MORGAN COUNTY, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) -- Investigators now believe that the two escapee murder suspects have taken a white 2008 Ford F-250.

According to the Oconee County Sheriff's Office on Facebook, the truck with the GA license plate number BCX 5372, is a standard cab with a dent in the right rear quarter panel, and has tool boxes down both sides.

The vehicle was taken from the Seven Islands Road area in Morgan County and was positvely linked to the suspects. There is currently no known direction of travel.

Meanwhile, Putnum County Sheriff Howard Sills will be holding a news conference from Morgan County Sheriff's Office in Madison around 1:15 p.m. Wednesday.

GEORGIA (AP) -- Two Georgia inmates described as "dangerous beyond description" and wanted in connection with the deaths of two corrections officers on a prison bus remained on the run early Wednesday as reward money for information leading to their arrests continued to grow.

Authorities said Donnie Russell Rowe, serving life without parole, and Ricky Dubose, who has prominent tattoos on his face and neck, were spotted twice on Tuesday after they overpowered, disarmed and killed Sgt. Christopher Monica and Sgt. Curtis Billue as the officers drove 33 inmates between prisons. Their escape after carjacking a driver who happened to pull up behind the bus on a rural highway set off a massive manhunt involving local, state and federal officers, Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills said.

Sills was emotional during a news conference as he described the scene.

"I saw two brutally murdered corrections officers, that's what I saw," he said. "I have their blood on my shoes."

Authorities said the two inmates got into a "grass green," four-door 2004 Honda Civic with the Georgia license plate number RBJ-6601 and drove west on state Highway 16 toward Eatonton, southeast of Atlanta.

"We are still desperately looking for these two individuals. They are armed with 9 mm pistols that were taken from these correctional officers. They are dangerous beyond description. If anyone sees them or comes into contact, they need to call 911 immediately," the sheriff said.

He urged the two to turn themselves in. "They need to surrender before we find 'em," Sills said.

The two got a head start by taking and tossing the Honda driver's cell phone and leaving the other 31 prisoners locked inside the bus, Sills said.

"My biggest worry is they're going to kill somebody else," Sills said.

Later Tuesday, the manhunt shifted about 25 miles (40 kilometers) to the north to the city of Madison, where Sills said the two men burglarized a house and then two men fitting their descriptions were reportedly seen in a Family Dollar store less than a mile away.

Authorities had no further signs of the inmates and had no reason to believe they had split up, Sills said.

The reward for information leading to the arrests of Rowe, 43, and Dubose, 24, continued to grow. Georgia Bureau of Investigation spokeswoman Nelly Miles said in an email Wednesday that multiple agencies have contributed $70,000.

Monica and Billue were both transfer sergeants at Baldwin State Prison. Monica had been with the Georgia Department of Corrections since October 2009 and Billue since July 2007.

How the two inmates managed to reach and overpower the officers remains under investigation, Sills said.

"They were inside the caged area of the bus," he said. "How they got through the locks and things up to that area I do not know."

Protocol is to have two armed corrections officers on the bus, but the officers don't wear bullet-proof vests during transfers, Corrections Commissioner Greg Dozier said.

"We lost two of our fellow officers, two of our kin. We see our officers as our family," Dozier said.

Monica was 42 and leaves behind a wife, Dozier said. Billue was 58 and is survived by his father, five sisters, two brothers and two sons, said Jim Green, an attorney who's speaking for the Billue family.

"Officer Billue's family asks for prayers for all of those who are now placing their own lives at risk to bring these men to justice and asks anyone who has information that may assist in apprehending these perpetrators to please contact law enforcement," Green said in an email.

The guards were moving the inmates to a diagnostic prison in Jackson, where their next placement was to be determined, Dozier said, adding that inmates do not know their transfer dates ahead of time.

Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal pledged every state resource necessary to catch the pair.

"The selflessness and courage of these two brave souls will not be forgotten, nor will their sacrifice and service," Deal said in an emailed statement.

U.S. Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein said federal resources are being committed to helping catch the fugitives. The FBI and U.S. Marshals have joined the investigation, Sills said.

Both escaped inmates were serving long sentences for armed robbery and other crimes. The Department of Corrections said Rowe has been serving life without parole since 2002, and Dubose began a 20-year sentence in 2015.

Tuesday, June 13, 2017

PUTNAM COUNTY, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) -- Two inmates accused of killing two correctional officers earlier today are still on the run.

Several agencies from across the state have been searching for Ricky Dubose and Donnie Rowe, and now, they say they know the pair ransacked a home on Cox Road in Madison.The Putnam County Sheriff confirms Rowe and Dubose broke into a house, left their jumpsuits inside a closet, and made off with some food, clothes and jewelry. Luckily, no one was home when it happened.

We spoke with the sister of the homeowner by phone. She says her sister is very overwhelmed and emotional knowing two men accused of murdering the correctional officers were inside her home.

Law enforcement officers say they found those jumpsuits in her bedroom closet and her back doors kicked in. That woman is staying with family tonight.

The Sheriff says investigators are still trying to figure out how Dubose and Rowe escaped."It went down as the prisoners told us. How they got out of their handcuffs, how they got through the locked door? I don't know. That's not my concern. My concern is apprehending these people and prosecuting them for murder," Sheriff Howard Sills said in a news conference.

ATLANTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) -- The reward for information regarding the whereabouts of two escaped inmates accused of killing two corrections officers during transport is now up to $60,000.

In a tweet, Georgia Bureau of Investigation says the reward is expected to increase.

Both escapees, Ricky Dubose and Donnie Rowe, were last seen in the Madison area. Both should be considered armed and dangerous. If you have any information, call police immediately.

MADISON, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) -- The two escapees who killed two corrections officers during transport broke into a home in Madison and took clothes, leaving their prison clothes behind and made their escape from there.

According to the Oconee County Sheriff's Office, the inmates and their vehicle have still not been recovered. Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills says they could be heading anywhere.

FORSYTH, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) -- Two corrections officers killed by two escaped inmates are being remembered for their service.

Christopher Monica, 42, began his career with 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, Sergeant Monica accepted a job at the Transportation Unit in Milledgeville, Georgia. Sergeant Monica recently accepted a part-time position at Augusta State Medical Prison as well.

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

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

“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 Georgia Department of Corrections Commissioner Greg Dozier. “We are utilizing full resources of our local, state and national partners and appreciate their support.”

ATLANTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) -- Georgia Governor Nathan Deal released a statement, vowing to deploy every state resource necessary to help capture the two inmates escaped from custody.

The statement reads:

PUTNAM COUNTY, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) -- Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills spoke at a news conference this afternoon, where he reiterated that the two escapees were not part of a work detail. Dubose and Donnie Rowe were on their way to Jackson to a Diagnostic Facility, this is a hub for them to be transported to another facility.

Some of the inmates that were on the bus are cooperating with investigators, and investigators are still looking for the green Honda Civic.

Sheriff Sills said they have the full resources of the FBI, GBI, Department of Corrections, and Georgia State Patrol in addition to 30 to 40 deputies.

"Every police officer of any kind in this state," Sheriff Sills stated.

The search for the two escapees is now being conducted across the country. Sheriff Sill's biggest worry is that they are going to kill somebody else.

Department of Corrections Commissioner Greg Dozier described the incident as a "tragic event." He talked about both of the slain correctional officers, saying both were tenured and leave behind families.

“We are going to put all the resources we can to bring these to justice,” said Dozier.

We are also learning additional details about the transport. Officers that are in transport don't have ballistic vests, but they do carry weapons. The gates between officers and prisoners are typically locked.

The bus that transported the prisoners was manufactured in 2015. There are cameras on the bus and investigators are reviewing the footage, however, the Sheriff's Office stated that the video is not being released at this time. The bus has since been moved from the scene.

Inmates on the bus stayed seated until investigators arrived, one of the inmates was a validated gang member. Inmates had a cell phone on the bus but they tossed it out. Prisoners on the bus also do not know when they are being transported ahead of time.

There have been no reported sightings of Ricky Dubose and Donnie Rowe, but investigators believe that they could be headed anywhere. They escaped west towards Eatonton around 6:45 a.m.

Sheriff Sills got very emotional when he spoke of the corrections officers, "I have their blood on my shoes.”

One of the escaped inmates that shot and killed two corrections officers has had previous run-ins with the law in North Augusta.

North Augusta Department of Public Safety says Ricky Dubose was most recently arrested by their department back in 2013 for possession of methamphetamine. According to SCCourts.org; the case was ultimately dismissed, and he was not indicted on a charge.

Both escapees should be considered armed and dangerous, and are both wanted for homicide. If you have any information, call police immediately.

PUTNAM COUNTY, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) -- Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills said the escaped state prisoners who shot and killed two state correctional officers may be headed west toward Eatonton.

According to a news conference, there were only two guards on the bus when the incident happened this morning along GA Hwy. 16 around 5:45 a.m. One of the guards was driving the bus and the other was in the front seat, this is standard procedure.

There were 33 inmates being transported to various locations, and a gate separated the prisoners from the guards. The Sheriff's Office believes the gate was either unlocked or the prisoners unlocked it somehow.

Both Ricky Dubose and Donnie Rowe reportedly overpowered both of the officers while the bus was still moving, it was then that one of the prisoners shot and killed them both.

Officials say the 31 other prisoners voluntarily stayed on the bus--despite having the opportunity to escape--and waited hours for authorities to arrive on the scene.

A local man stopped thinking there was a work detail ahead when both Dubose and Rowe carjacked his green Honda Civic. He is okay.

Both Rowe and Dubose are now armed with the officers’ .40 caliber Glock pistols, according to the Sheriff's Office. The two were last seen along Highway 16 in Sparta, but it is believed they are headed west.

Stephen Emmett with the FBI tells News 12 NBC 26 that both escapees should be considered armed and dangerous, and are both wanted for homicide. If you have any information, call police immediately.

ATLANTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) -- Two corrections officers shot and killed by two escaped inmates from state prison have been identified.

Georgia Department of Corrections says officers Christopher Monica and Curtis Billue were shot and killed early Tuesday morning by Ricky Dubose and Donnie Rowe. Rowe and Dubose were on a transport bus headed to Putnam County, and are now on the run.

Monica served for 8 years, having been hired in October 2009. Billue was nearing his 10th anniversary, he was hired July 2007.

Stephen Emmett with the FBI tells News 12 NBC 26 that both escapees should be considered armed and dangerous, and are both wanted for homicide. If you have any information, call police immediately.

HARDWICK, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – More details are being released about two escaped inmates from state prison who are accused of shooting and killing two corrections officers.

Ricky Dubose, 24, and Donnie "Whiskey" Russell Rowe, 43, were both being held at the Baldwin State Prison on multiple convictions.

Both Dubose and Rowe were being transported to Putnam County. Other inmates on the same transport bus are still in state custody.

Dubose is described as 6 feet 1 inches tall, and weighing 140 pounds with blue eyes and brown hair. Rowe is described as 6 feet 1 inches tall, and weighing 181 pounds with blue eyes and brown hair.

Dubose was serving a 20-year sentence for aggravated assault, 20 years for armed robbery, and 10 years for theft by taking out of Elbert County. He also faces 5 years for theft by taking out of Madison County, two 5-year sentences for breaking and entering a vehicle in Madison County. He also had multiple fraud charges out of Madison County that carried 3 years each, a burglary charge out of Madison County that carried a 10-year sentence, and a prior offense of robbery out of Gwinnett County that carried an additional 10-year sentence. His possible release date would have been September 3, 2034.

Rowe was serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole for armed robbery, possession of a firearm during a crime, and two 20-year sentences of aggravated assault all out of Bibb County.

Baldwin State Prison, where they were both housed in Hardwick, Ga., is a medium security prison built in 1976 that houses adult male felons. It has a capacity of 925 inmates.

Rowe and Dubose were believed to have departed the area in a 2004 Honda Civic 4 door, grass green in color. The two were last seen along Highway 16 in Sparta.

Stephen Emmett with the FBI tells News 12 NBC 26 that both escapees should be considered armed and dangerous, and are both wanted for homicide. If you have any information, call police immediately.

EATONTON, Ga. (AP/WRDW/WAGT) — Authorities say inmates killed two prison guards during a bus transport in Georgia and are now being sought by law enforcement.

Putnam County Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Teresa Slade says authorities are searching for two men after the incident, which occurred about 5:45 a.m. Tuesday, southeast of Atlanta.

She says a witness saw the men escape in a dark green Honda that has since been abandoned. They were last seen on Highway 16 near Sparta.

Investigators have identified the men as Ricky Dubose and Donnie Russell Rowe. No further details about either are available at this time.

Georgia State Patrol is also involved in the investigation.