A manhunt is underway for the inmates, Donnie Russell and Rowe Ricky Dubose, who the authorities say may have stolen a car after the corrections officers were fatally shot.
A statewide manhunt is underway in Georgia for two armed prison inmates who the authorities say escaped from a prison bus on Tuesday morning after they disarmed and fatally shot two corrections officers on the bus.
The Georgia Department of Corrections asked the public to be vigilant, but warned against approaching the inmates, Donnie Russell Rowe and Ricky Dubose. Officials said the inmates may have carjacked a 2004 green Honda Civic with a Georgia license plate after their escape.
“Today, two families lost everything in a heinous and senseless act of violence perpetrated at the hands of cowards, ” Gov. Nathan Deal of Georgia said in a statement. “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.”
Mr. Rowe and Mr. Dubose were being transported between Hancock State Prison and Georgia Diagnostic and Classification Prison — about 50 miles southeast of Atlanta — when they escaped from custody early Tuesday morning, the authorities said in a statement.
Officials said the inmates succeeded in “overpowering” the two Baldwin State Prison transfer sergeants who were driving a state prison transport bus, holding a total of 33 inmates.
The two inmates managed to disarm the officers, Christopher Monica and Curtis Billue, and then shot and killed them both, the authorities said.
“If you see these fugitives, ” they cautioned, “call 911 and do not approach.”
Mr. Rowe and Mr. Dubose, both convicted armed robbers, are serving prison terms of life without parole and 20 years, respectively, the Department of Corrections said. Both had been housed at Baldwin State Prison in Milledgeville, Ga.
The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office as well as several local, state and federal agencies are assisting in the investigation, Governor Deal said in his statement. About a dozen law enforcement agencies are involved in the manhunt, he added.
The Department of Corrections identified the deceased officers as Christopher Monica, 42, and Curtis Billue, 58. Mr. Monica and Mr. Billue began their careers with the Department of Corrections in 2009 and 2007, respectively, and both were eventually promoted to sergeant.
“Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of two of our officers, who are our family, ” Georgia Department of Corrections Commissioner Gregory C. Dozier said. “Our priority is to locate these fugitives and bring them to justice for this heinous act against those working to protect the public.”
