District Attorney Stephen Bradley says he plans to ask for the death penalty for two inmates accused of shooting and killing two corrections officers. Wednesday morning, a Putnam County judge denied bond for suspects Donnie Rowe and Ricky Dubose.
Rowe and Dubose walked into the courtroom wearing shackles and handcuffs. Sergeant Curtis Billue's sisters were inside the courtroom where they looked at their brother's alleged killers for the first time. “When I first laid my eyes on them, all I could think was, 'How could two human beings kill two innocent men who were only doing their job?'” said Denise Billue.
Denise Billue describes the moment she saw her brother's alleged killers in court for the first time. “I immediately forgave them, but forgiveness does not excuse their behavior,” said Denise Billue.
Wednesday morning, inmates Donnie Russell Rowe and Ricky Allen Dubose were charged with two counts of murder, one count of carjacking, and a felony escape. “Due to the nature of this crime, there is no bond set,” said Judge Brenda Trammell, Superior Court Judge.
Rowe and Dubose are accused of killing Curtis Billue and Christopher Monica last Tuesday. The escaped inmates were on the run for three days, causing a massive manhunt, and allegedly committing other crimes along the way. “Based on everything we know at this point, this is very clearly a death penalty case,” said Steven Bradley, District Attorney.
Even though they were pleased with Wednesday's proceedings, his sister’s says that doesn't take away the pain that their brother Sgt. Curtis Billue is gone. “He cared about people on and off the job,” said Denise Billue.
And now all this family can do is hold on to their precious memories. “I will always remember him as my hero. No further comments,” said Carole Billue, in tears.
Judge Brenda Trammell told Rowe and Dubose that they do have a right to a trial by jury or a grand jury indictment. The next Putnam County grand jury will convene September 18th.