Mystery of Russell and Shirley Dermond

Background

Russell J. Dermond (born December 22, 1925) and Shirley W. Dermond (born October 23, 1926) were a retired couple living in a gated community called Great Waters, part of Reynolds Lake Oconee, in Putnam County, Georgia.

They were described as warm, low-key, church-going people, enjoying a peaceful retirement by the lake after raising three children. Russell had been a successful businessman, formerly owning a group of Hardee’s restaurants before retiring.

The Dermonds lived at 147 Carolyn Drive a large home with direct lake access. The area was considered extremely safe the kind of place where violent crime was virtually unheard of.

However, in May 2014 their life would be shattered by a gruesome and puzzling crime that has stumped investigators for over a decade.

Full Timeline of Events