**UPDATE: The inmates broke into a residence in Madison, Georgia, got clothes, left their prison whites and made their escape from there, police say.***
FORSYTH, Ga. – Georgia Department of Corrections Commissioner Gregory C. Dozier has confirmed that early this morning, two inmates being transported between Hancock State Prison and Georgia Diagnostic and Classification Prison, escaped from custody by overpowering two Baldwin State Prison Transfer Sergeants driving a state prison transport bus with a total of 33 inmates. The officers, Christopher Monica and Curtis Billue, were disarmed by the inmates and were both 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.
“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 Commissioner Dozier. “We are utilizing full resources of our local, state and national partners and appreciate their support,” continued Dozier.
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.
Please be advised of the following information on the escaped inmates, who are armed and dangerous. The public is reminded once again to remain vigilant and call 991 if you see these fugitives.
Donnie Russell Rowe, GDC #0001110632, is a white male, 6’1”, 181lbs with blue eyes and brown hair. Rowe is serving Life Without Parole for the offense of armed robbery and was housed at Baldwin State Prison in Milledgeville, Ga.
Ricky Dubose, GDC #1000492869, is a white male, 6’1”, 140lbs with blue eyes and brown hair. Dubose is serving a 20-year sentence for armed robbery and was housed at Baldwin State Prison in Milledgeville, Ga.
Gov. Nathan Deal vowed to deploy every state resource necessary to help capture two inmates escaped from custody.
“Today, two families lost everything in a heinous and senseless act of violence perpetrated at the hands of cowards,” said Deal. “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. Sandra and I mourn alongside their families and communities, and we offer our deepest sympathies to their loved ones. Our heartbreak is matched only in our resolve to bring their murderers to justice. No effort will be spared in pursuit of the killers, and no state resources required in this endeavor will be spared.
“Led by the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, multiple local, state and federal agencies are assisting in the investigation. 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 our federal partners from the U.S. Marshals Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force, the Federal Bureau of Investigation 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.
“Finally, I urge all those in the surrounding areas to be vigilant and cautious while the killers remain at large. They are extremely dangerous. Anyone with information regarding their whereabouts should immediately contact 9-1-1.”
