Discovery of the Crime Scene

• 911 was called on May 6th, 2014, by a neighbor checking on Russell and Shirley Dermond, who had been missing for four days.
• Inside the garage of their upscale Great Waters home, the neighbor discovered a headless, blood-soaked body behind the couple's cars.
• The body was later identified as 87-year-old Russell Dermond; his wife, Shirley, was missing.

The Crime Scene Details

• Russell Dermond's body showed signs of defensive wounds, and his head had been cleanly severed after death.
• The garage floor had pooled blood and towels were used to soak up excess fluid, suggesting an attempt to conceal the crime.
• The rest of the 3,200 sq ft home was pristine, with no signs of forced entry, struggle, or theft, ruling out robbery as a primary motive.
• Russell's wallet, cell phone, and Shirley's handbags with cash were left behind.

Discovery of Shirley Dermond's Body

• On May 16th, 2014, two fishermen found a decomposed human body floating in Lake Oconee, about five and a half miles from the Dermond home.
• The body, identified as Shirley Dermond by dental records, had two concrete blocks tied to her ankles with paracord, indicating she was deliberately drowned.
• Autopsy revealed Shirley had a fractured skull with blunt impact injuries, suggesting she was struck at least twice on the head before being disposed of in the lake.

Investigation and Lack of Leads

• Sheriff Howard Sills led an exhaustive investigation, involving multiple agencies and forensic experts.
• Security camera footage from the gated community entrance was unavailable due to a lightning strike weeks prior.
• The Dermonds' home security system was reportedly disconnected or not turned on at the time of the murders.
• Despite extensive interviews, background checks, and polygraphs of family, friends, and employees, no definitive suspect or motive has been identified.
• The lack of forced entry, struggle, or theft, combined with the brutal nature of the murders and the disposal of the bodies, makes this a particularly baffling case.

Key Facts and Unanswered Questions

• Russell and Shirley Dermond were murdered between late afternoon Friday, May 2nd, and 4:00 p.m. Saturday, May 3rd, 2014.
• Evidence suggests they were likely not killed inside their home.
• Russell was decapitated after death with a sharp tool, and his head has never been found.
• Gunshot residue was found on Russell's shirt, suggesting he may have been shot before being decapitated.
• Shirley was killed by blunt force trauma to the head and her body was weighted down and dumped in Lake Oconee.
• The motive remains unknown, with no signs of robbery or sexual assault, leaving investigators with a perplexing cold case.