Sergeant Christopher James Monica

Christopher 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.