UPDATE: Two escaped inmates captured in Tennessee after manhunt in slayings of two Georgia prison guards.

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GEORGIA - Newton County Sheriff Ezell Brown said the Newton County Sheriff’s Office is following every lead it gets regarding the ongoing manhunt of the two escaped Georgia Department of Corrections (DOC)inmates.

The manhunt, which was initiated in Putnam County after Donnie Russell Rowe, 43, and Ricky Dubose, 24, escaped their prison transport bus early Tuesday morning, killing two DOC officers in the process.

Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills said since the escape, the prisoners have had the time to make it “halfway across the United States.” He said his department, the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) and the DOC are working with agencies throughout the country to make sure the criminals are found.

“We’re following every possible lead, looking for vehicles that match the description, we’re really exhausting every particular isolated area within the county,” Brown said.

Brown said the NCSO has followed up on tips within the county, but nothing has played out at this point.

If you spot the escapees, Brown said, call 911 immediately.

“I would ask that the citizens do not approach these individuals and allow law enforcement to carry out their fundamental duties,” he said.

“If (the escapees) should read The Covington News, my advice would be, ‘Do not show up in Covington, Georgia, Newton County,” Brown said. 

Sills said there is currently a $130,000 reward being offered for any information leading to the arrest of the two prisoners. Information can be left on the tip line by calling 877-WANTED2 (877-926-8332).