Russell and Shirley Dermond murders: DNA hope in decade-old case, $25K reward for information on suspect

Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.

PUTNAM COUNTY, GEORGIA: The FBI has announced a $25,000 reward for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the decade-old murder of Russell Dermond, 88, and Shirley Dermond, 87, in Putnam County.

This development follows recent revelations by Putnam County investigators of new DNA evidence potentially linked to the couple's killer or killers.

Insights in the tragic murder of Russell and Shirley Dermond

Russell and Shirley's tragic story began in May 2014 when the former was discovered dead in the carport of their home in the Greater Waters subdivision of Lake Oconee. His body was found with his head severed from his body.

Ten days later, a pair of fishermen located Shirley's body miles away near a Lake Oconee dam about five miles from their Eatonton lakefront home., weighted down with concrete blocks. Officials stated that her body was discovered submerged in the water, her ankles secured with two red cinder blocks in an attempt to submerge her, reported 11 Alive.

Investigative efforts delve into potential evidence left at crime scenes

Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills initiated a renewed effort in the investigation last week by sending clothing from the crime scenes to labs in Texas and Utah. The results revealed DNA on the items that did not belong to the couple, offering a glimmer of hope in the long-standing case.

Sheriff Sills described the crimes as "very brutal," emphasizing the "certain element of depravity" involved. Investigators are actively exploring the potential for 'Touch DNA', considering whether the killer or killers inadvertently left behind evidence at the crime scenes. "That’s the DNA that you leave behind when you touch something," he alleged, per Fox.

"Over the last couple of years, we have taken articles of potential evidence, things that we've had since these crimes occurred to labs outside of Houston and Salt Lake City," Sheriff Sills informed.

"These laboratories have found DNA on these articles and yesterday I got a call from one of the labs, informed me they had located DNA or found DNA on some of the things we took to Utah that did not come from Shirley or Russell Dermond," Sills added.

Sheriff Sills stated that the lab is currently searching for additional DNA to "hopefully get enough to where it can be submitted" to criminal DNA databases.

Sills highlighted that they cannot definitively exclude the possibility that the DNA may belong to a law enforcement officer, investigator, state crime lab technician, or another individual who has been involved in the case over the years.

If you have any information concerning the death of Russell Joseph Dermond and Shirley Wilcox Dermond, please contact the FBI's Atlanta Field Office at 770-216-3000, or the Putnam County Sheriff's Office at 706-485-8557. You can also contact the nearest American Embassy or Consulate, or submit a tip online.