The murders of Russell and Shirley Dermond, an elderly couple from Putnam County, Georgia, in May 2014, present a deeply disturbing and perplexing case in American criminal history. The crime remains unsolved, adding a layer of mystery and intrigue to the already tragic event.

Background

Russell Dermond, aged 88, and his wife Shirley, aged 87, were residents of the Great Waters Community at Lake Oconee, a gated and affluent neighborhood. They were well-regarded in their community and known for their quiet, peaceful lifestyle. This makes the brutality of their murders all the more shocking.

Discovery of the Crime

The incident came to light on May 6, 2014, when friends, concerned by the Dermonds' absence from a social event, visited their home. They discovered Russell's decapitated body in the garage. The scene lacked any signs of a struggle or forced entry, and Russell's head was never recovered. Shirley was initially missing, leading to an extensive search.

On May 16, Shirley's body was found by fishermen, floating in Lake Oconee, several miles from the Dermond home. She had been weighed down with concrete blocks. The autopsy revealed that she died from blunt force trauma before being placed in the lake.