GBI rewards Tennessee families $10K each for helping nab Georgia fugitives

Ricky Dubose (left) and Donnie Russsell Rowe enter the Putnam County courthouse in Eatonton on Wednesday, June 21, 2017. The pair is accused of killing two correctional officers while escaping from a prison transport bus. A state prosecutor said Wednesday that he will seek the death penalty against them. They were denied bond. (BOB ANDRES/AJC)

Credit: Bob Andres

Credit: Bob Andres

Ricky Dubose (left) and Donnie Russsell Rowe enter the Putnam County courthouse in Eatonton on Wednesday, June 21, 2017. The pair is accused of killing two correctional officers while escaping from a prison transport bus. A state prosecutor said Wednesday that he will seek the death penalty against them. They were denied bond. (BOB ANDRES/AJC)

Two Tennessee families credited with helping catch two fugitives from Georgia each received a $10,000 reward, the GBI said Friday afternoon.

A total reward of $130,000 was offered to find Ricky Dubose and Donnie Russell Rowe, accused of killing two state prison guards in Putnam County. The GBI offered $20,000 toward the total reward, according to spokeswoman Nelly Miles.

“This is the initial stage of the total reward being dispensed and all stakeholders involved continue discussions to determine how the remaining sum will be dispersed,” MIles said in an emailed statement. “There are a multitude of contributors from government and private entities.”

RELATED: How the manhunt for the Georgia fugitives unfolded

ALSO: Prosecutor seeking death penalty for Dubose, Rowe

Dubose and Rowe are accused of shooting and killing Sgt. Curtis Billue, 58, and Sgt. Christopher Monica, 42, along Ga. 16. After three days on the run last week, Dubose and Rowe surrendered in middle Tennessee.

The GBI declined to release the names of the reward recipients, who have asked to remain anonymous. Police have previously said the two escapees held an elderly Tennessee couple at gunpoint before stealing the couple’s SUV. The couple was able to call police, who pursued the stolen Jeep Cherokee.

Outside of Murfreesboro, the fugitives crashed the Jeep and ended up in a neighborhood, where neighbors watches as the two surrendered, according to police.