Georgia inmates accused in deadly prison bus escape face judge

EATONTON, Ga. -- Two inmates accused of killing their guards on a Georgia prison bus have been brought before a judge on charges including murder, felony escape and hijacking a motor vehicle.

Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit District Attorney Stephen Bradley said it is very clearly a death penalty case.

Donnie Russell Rowe, 43, and Ricky Dubose, 24, appeared in court in Putnam County, southeast of Atlanta, on Wednesday.

The judge declined to set bond, citing the nature of the charges.

The two men are accused of disarming and killing sergeants Christopher Monica 42, and Curtis Billue, 58, on June 13, escaping from the prison transfer bus and then carjacking a motorist to get away.

They were arrested two days later in Tennessee following an intense manhunt.

The inmates appeared before Judge Brenda Trammell shackled and in orange prison jumpsuits as they heard the charges against them.

Rowe, a repeat offender currently serving life without parole, was imprisoned after being convicted on charges of armed robbery and aggravated assault, reports CBS affiliate WGCL. DuBose was imprisoned after being found guilty of armed robbery, aggravated assault, credit card fraud and theft by taking. 

A $130,000 reward was offered for information leading to the capture of the inmates. Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills says the reward will be paid out, according to WGCL, but it's not yet clear yet who will receive it.