Georgia Department of Corrections, Georgia
End of Watch Tuesday, June 13, 2017
Add to My HeroesChristopher James Monica
Sergeant Christopher Monica and Sergeant Curtis Billue were shot and killed after being attacked by two inmates in Putnam County, Georgia.
The officers were transporting 33 prisoners between Hancock State Prison and Georgia Diagnostic and Classification Prison at approximately 5:45 am. Two of the inmates attacked the officers as the transport bus drove along Route 16, between Eatonton and Sparta. One of the inmates was able to disarm one of the officers and then shot them both. The prisoners stole both officers' service weapons and carjacked a passing car before fleeing.
Both subjects fled the scene and remained at large for several days. On June 15th, 2017, they were captured in Rutherford County, Tennessee, following a vehicle pursuit in which they fired at two deputies. The men fled to a nearby home in an attempt to steal another vehicle but were captured by the homeowner and a neighbor, who held them at gunpoint until responding officers took them into custody.
One subject was convicted of murder and sentenced to death in June 2022. Shortly after the sentence, he committed suicide. The other was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison.
Sergeant Monica had served with the Georgia Department of Corrections for eight years. He is survived by his wife, two daughters, two grandchildren, and sister.
Bio
- Age 42
- Tour 8 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Officer's handgun
- Offender Sentenced to life; committed suicide
Most Recent Reflection
View all 151 ReflectionsRest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.
Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)
August 26, 2020
Recent LODD Deaths

Lieutenant Allen "Noochie" Credeur
Rayne Police Department, LA
EOW: May 5, 2025

Special Deputy Sheriff Larry Henderson, Jr.
Hamilton County Sheriff's Office, OH
EOW: May 2, 2025

Deputy Sheriff Brandon Ray Sikes
Columbia County Sheriff's Office, GA
EOW: April 26, 2025

Deputy Sheriff Jesse Perez
Dawson County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: April 22, 2025

Captain Helio Armando Garcia, III
South Fulton Police Department, GA
EOW: April 16, 2025

Deputy Sheriff Melissa Pollard
Wood County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: April 9, 2025

Deputy Sheriff William May
Walton County Sheriff's Office, FL
EOW: April 2, 2025

Police Officer Osmar Rodarte
Marysville Police Department, CA
EOW: March 26, 2025

Sergeant Grant J. Candies
St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office, LA
EOW: March 23, 2025