The tragic deaths of Russell Dermond, 88, and his wife, Shirley Dermond, 87, have baffled investigators for years. The couple’s gruesome deaths in 2014 remain unsolved, despite new developments in the case and a substantial reward for information.
The Discovery of Russell’s Body
On May 3, 2014, Russell and Shirley Dermond were expected at a Kentucky Derby party with friends, but when they failed to arrive, their neighbors went to check on them. They found Russell’s decapitated body in the garage of their home in Eatonton, Georgia, located in the Great Waters subdivision on Lake Oconee. His head was never found, and the scene was chilling, with no signs of forced entry or theft. In fact, the home appeared undisturbed, with valuables, including wallets and phones, left behind.
Authorities later determined that Russell had been shot before his decapitation, as gunshot residue was discovered on his collar. Investigators believe his head was removed to prevent ballistics testing.
The Discovery of Shirley’s Body
Ten days later, on May 13, 2014, Shirley’s body was discovered floating in Lake Oconee, miles from their home. She was weighted down with two 30-pound concrete blocks. Her autopsy revealed that she had died from blunt-force trauma, but the specific weapon used could not be identified.
The Dermonds, who had been married for 68 years, had retired to the area and were well-known in the community. Russell had owned several Hardee’s franchises before retiring. Their deaths left their four children and nine grandchildren devastated, and their son Brad Dermond spoke publicly, describing the horror of losing both parents in such a brutal manner.
A Targeted Attack
Investigators have repeatedly stated that the attack on the Dermonds was not random, but likely targeted. The lack of forced entry and theft suggests that the killer knew the victims, and authorities believe someone in the community may know more than they’ve shared. Sheriff Howard Sills described the crime as one that “screams out for an enemy — a vicious enemy.”
The sheriff also emphasized that the attack appeared to be intentional, and noted that the FBI had offered a $25,000 reward for information. The case continues to garner attention, with the FBI and local authorities urging anyone with knowledge of the crime to come forward.
New Developments: DNA Evidence
In 2024, investigators received a potential breakthrough when new DNA evidence was found on Russell Dermond’s clothing. The DNA profile did not match anyone already in the CODIS database, and the case has been sent to private labs for further analysis. If the DNA does not match any known suspects, authorities may turn to advanced genealogical methods to try to identify the source. As of early 2025, investigators are awaiting further lab results.
Theories and Public Appeal
The Dermonds had lived a quiet, peaceful life before their brutal murders, and authorities have ruled out their family members as suspects. Their eldest son, Mark, was tragically killed in an unrelated shooting in 2000, but investigators have said they don’t believe his death is connected to the murders of his parents.
Despite extensive efforts from the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, FBI, and other agencies, the case remains open and unsolved, with few leads. Investigators have re-mined phone records and cell tower data over the years in an attempt to find new leads.
The sheriff has continued to emphasize the importance of the public’s help, stating that “somebody else knows they did this”, and urging anyone with information to come forward.
