88-year-old man decapitated, wife dropped in Lake Oconee, now there’s a new push for answers

PUTNAM COUNTY, Ga. — Who killed Russell and Shirley Dermond? It’s a question investigators have worked to answer for 12 years.

Neighbors found Russell’s decapitated body inside his Putnam County garage behind one of the couple’s cars, with the 88-year-old’s head nowhere to be found.

Neighbors were concerned after the couple never showed up for a Kentucky Derby party.

Georgia unsolved killings Georgia's unsolved killings - The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is requesting any information on these cases. Please contact the GBI Tipline at 1-800-597-8477. Submissions may also be submitted online at gbi.ga.gov.

Georgia unsolved killings Donna “Donnell” Stephens - Location: Fitzgerald, Ben Hill County, Georgia. On Friday, December 1, 2023, the Fitzgerald Police Department requested the GBI to investigate a death that occurred at a house on the corner of Thomas Street and Pine Street, in Fitzgerald, Ben Hill County, Georgia. At about 9:00 p.m. on December 1, 2023, gunshots were reported by several people near the house. When first responders arrived at the scene, they discovered that Donna “Donnell” Stephens, age 68, of Fitzgerald, Ben Hill County, and another Fitzgerald man had been shot. Both men were taken to the hospital for medical treatment.

Georgia unsolved killings Location: Norcross, Gwinnett County, Georgia On Sunday, August 30, 2020, at approximately 6:30 p.m., Tyler Hall was found deceased inside his residence. It was determined that the victim died from multiple gunshot wounds. There were no signs of forced entry into the residence. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is requesting any information on the case. Please contact the GBI Tipline at 1-800-597-8477. Submissions may also be submitted online at gbi.ga.gov.

Georgia unsolved killings ontact Info: GBI Kingsland Office at 912-729-6198 and the Charlton County Sheriff’s Office at 912-496-7321 The Georgia Bureau of Investigation Region 14 Field Office and the Charlton County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the homicide of Sheeyta Elaine Herrin that occurred on March 31, 2019. A concert was held at the American Legion Building that evening. Immediately following the concert while individuals were leaving gunfire erupted in the parking lot where Herrin was fatally hit by one of the rounds. A subsequent incident occurred at the Flash Food Convenient Store involving some of the same individuals. An individual was shot at the store, but the injury was non-life threatening. Multiple individuals have been arrested reference the incidents, but none have been directly linked nor has an arrest been made for Herrin’s death.

Georgia unsolved killings Contact Info: GBI Region 4 Douglas Office 912-389-4103 Kiree Hersey was last seen alive walking on foot in the area of Willacoochee, Atkinson County, Georgia on November 5, 2016, shortly before midnight. Hersey’s skeletal remains were discovered on February 10, 2017, in the area of Charlie Harper Road, in Willacoochee. Hersey suffered from gunshot wounds. $3,000 reward

Georgia unsolved killings The Georgia Bureau of Investigation Regional Investigative Office (Region 8) in Cleveland and the Flowery Branch Police Department are investigating the homicide of Ricko Bledson. On Saturday, August 6, 2016, at approximately 9:30 p.m., Bledson was shot and killed outside of his residence located in Flowery Branch, Hall County, Georgia. Anyone who may have information is asked to contact the GBI Regional Investigative Office in Cleveland (706) 348-4866 or the Flowery Branch Police Department at (770) 967-6336. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477), online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online, or by downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile app.

Georgia unsolved killings Contact Info: GBI Region 4: 912-389-4103 On December 5, 2015, the GBI Region 4 field office was requested by the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office for assistance with a death investigation. 19 year-old Gabriel Douglas was shot and killed while at a party at Just Jump for Kids.

Georgia unsolved killings The Georgia Bureau of Investigation's Atlanta Regional Office in Conyers, GA and the Lake City Police Department are investigating the murder of twenty-two year old Kadarius Bailey. The Lake City Police Department received a call for assistance on August 24, 2014 at approximately 9:40 p.m. from the Rainwood Apartments located at 1885 Harper Drive in Lake City, Georgia. Police and EMS responded to the scene and discovered Bailey deceased on the stairs outside of Building 19. Bailey, who was visiting with friends at the apartment complex, had been sitting on the stairs listening to music when he was shot multiple times. Anyone with information about Bailey’s death is encouraged to contact the GBI Atlanta Regional Office at (770) 388-5019 or leave information on the GBI Tip Line at (800) 597-8477. Information may also be submitted by clicking on the online submission link above.

Georgia unsolved killings On March 18, 2014, at approximately 8:00 AM, Montevious Flentall,28, was found deceased at his residence on Pageland Drive in Toccoa, GA. It was determined his death was a homicide. At that time, three persons, two black males and one black female, were seen leaving the scene in a gray Ford Edge. The vehicle was seen passing through Westminster, South Carolina, traveling east toward Seneca, South Carolina, on the morning of March 18, 2014, at approximately 8:30 AM. The Toccoa Police Department and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation are requesting any information on the case, specifically the location of the suspect vehicle. Please contact the Toccoa PD at 706-282-3244 or the GBI Tipline 800-597-8477 or 706-348-4866. Special Agent Shilo Crane is the GBI case agent. Submissions may also be submitted online at gbi.ga.gov.

Georgia unsolved killings Contact Info: Jones County Sheriff's Office 478-986-3479 or GBI tip line 1-800-597-8477 Marquis Deshaun Lawson’s body was discovered alongside Wheeler Road just west of its intersection of Patton Road. He was believed to have been struck on the night of Wednesday July 24th, 2013 between 10 PM and 11 PM by a large service type truck or any vehicle with a heavy bumper or brush guard. A reward is offered for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for his death.

Georgia unsolved killings The Georgia Bureau of Investigation Region 8 field office in Cleveland, Georgia and the Hall County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the murder of sixteen year old Hannah Truelove on August 23, 2012 to August 24, 2012. Hannah was a student at Gainesville High School in Gainesville, Georgia. Hannah lived with her mother at the Lake Lanier Club Apartments in Gainesville, Georgia. Hannah was reported missing on August 23, 2012 and was discovered murdered in a wooded area behind the Lake Lanier Club Apartments on August 24, 2012.

Georgia unsolved killings The Georgia Bureau of Investigation's Region 7 office in Thomson, Georgia and the Burke County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the murder of Amy Ellison. On Wednesday, March 07, 2012 at approximately 5:54 a.m., the Burke County Sheriff’s Office responded to a residence on Brigham Landing Road in Girard, Georgia in reference to a female subject found with a fatal gunshot wound. The victim resided at the home along with her minor children. The oldest child found her deceased inside of the residence. The Burke County Sheriff’s Department is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for Amy’s death.

Georgia unsolved killings The Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Toccoa Police Department are investigating the murder of Robert Lee Simmons Jr, age 46. The Toccoa Police Department received a call for assistance after Simmons' family members found him unresponsive at his Glendale Apartment Complex residence on March 1, 2011. Simmons' death was determined to be a homicide after an autopsy by GBI's Medical Examiner’s Office. A reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the person or persons responsible for Simmons death. Anyone with information about Simmons death is asked to contact Special Agent Shilo Crane at 706-348-4866, the Toccoa Police Department at 706-282-3277, or by clicking on the online submission link above.

Georgia unsolved kilings Sandra Latrail Robinson was discovered murdered by multiple sharp force wounds on March 17, 2010 inside the Prepaid Superstore, 706 S. Madison Avenue, in Douglas, Coffee County, Georgia. Robinson worked at the cellular phone store, which was located within proximity to PCC Probation, Walgreens, Flash Food and Rountree Park in Douglas. The murder is believed to have occurred between the approximate hours of 6:00 pm and 7:00 pm during open business hours. Robinson was the mother of four. $1,000 reward

Georgia unsolved killings On December 26, 2009 at approximately 2:00 a.m., a shooting occurred at Club Peppers in Baxley, Appling County, Georgia. Christopher Yarbrough was shot and killed in the parking lot. Two other individuals were shot but recovered from their injuries. A fight may have initiated the shooting. Over a thousand people were said to be present at the club when the shooting occurred.

Georgia unsolved killings The Georgia Bureau of Investigation Region 14 Field Office and the Brantley County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the homicide of Angela Dawn McCarty. On Wednesday, September 23, 2009 at approximately 6:00 pm McCarty left her residence; it is not unusual for McCarty to be gone from her residence for several days. On September 29, 2009, McCarty was reported missing and no solid leads were ever established as to her whereabouts. On Tuesday, July 30, 2013, human remains were located in a wooded area off Highway 110 in Brantley County, Georgia. The remains were later identified as McCarty’s. McCarty’s death has been ruled a homicide due to the suspicious details surrounding her disappearance and the location of where McCarty’s remains were recovered.

Georgia unsolved killings Kristi Cornwell, age 38, was abducted on August 11, 2009, while walking down Jones Creek Road in Blairsville, Union County, Georgia. Cornwell’s remains were discovered on January 1, 2011, in a wooded area off Moccasin Road in Blairsville. The GBI continues to seek information about Cornwell’s abduction and murder. Anyone with information is asked to contact the GBI Tipline at 800-597-8477 or contact the Union County Sheriff’s Office at 706-439-6066.

Georgia unsolved killings The Georgia Bureau of Investigation Region 14 Field Office and the Long County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the homicide of William (Bill) Francis Greenwood which occurred on May 3, 2008 outside of Greenwood’s residence. Autopsy results revealed Mr. Greenwood’s death was the result of a single gunshot wound. Prior to his death, Greenwood had been located at his residence with a friend. It is believed that Greenwood owed a debt and that possibly played a role in his death.

Georgia unsolved killings The Athens-Clarke County Police Department and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation are investigating the murder of Odilon Cabrera-Depaz that occurred in Athens-Clarke County, GA. On October 14, 2007 Odilon Cabrera-Depaz was shot to death on Sir Scott Rd. in Athens, GA.

Georgia unsolved killings On Wednesday, September 20, 2006, at approximately 11:17 a.m., the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office responded to a shooting incident at Jon’s Sport Park on Thompson Drive in Douglas, Georgia. Deputies arrived on the scene and found the body of Doris Worrell, age 39, at the scene. She was the victim of an apparent gunshot. Jon Worrell, the husband of the victim and manager of Jon’s Sport Park, left the business at approximately 9:40 a.m. to run errands. His wife remained on the premises engaged in cleaning the business. When her husband returned at approximately 11:15 a.m., he found his wife’s body. Anyone with information on this case is asked to call the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office at(912) 384-4227 or the Georgia Bureau of Investigation at (912) 389-4103.

Georgia unsolved killings On Thursday, September 15, 2005 at approximately 10:00 a.m., the body of Arlene Ivey, 78, was found in Potato Creek near the Hannah’s Mill Road Bridge in Thomaston, Georgia. Essentially at the same time, family members reported to the Upson County Sheriff’s Office that Arlene Ivey’s residence located in south Upson County had been entered and partially ransacked. The residence is approximately 17 miles from where Arlene Ivey’s body was discovered. Anyone with information regarding the murder of Arlene Ivey is strongly encouraged to contact the GBI Columbus Office at 706-565-7888 or the Upson County Sheriff’s Office at 706-647-7411.

Georgia unsolved killings On Saturday, July 16, 2005 at 12:30 a.m., Anita Redmon was shot to death as she worked as an attendant at the west gate of Stone Mountain Park. A $55,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest of the person or persons responsible for Redmon's murder. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to please call the Stone Mountain Park Police Department at 770-498-5675 or the Georgia Bureau of Investigation at 1-800-597-TIPS (1-800-597-8477).

Georgia unsolved killings On Thursday, April 15, 2004 between the hours of 11:30 AM and 12:00 Noon, Patrice Endres, a 38 year old wife and mother, disappeared from her salon, Tamber’s Trim ‘N Tan, located at 6195 Matt Highway/ Highway 369 Cumming, Forsyth County, Georgia. Endres was last seen just before 11:30 AM and was discovered missing just after noon. After the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office responded to a request for assistance and began their investigation, it was discovered that money had been taken from the salon, Endres’ lunch was uneaten, her car keys were present and her vehicle had been moved from it’s normal location. On December 6, 2005, skeletal remains were located behind a church off of Kelly Bridge Road in Dawson County, Georgia. Those remains were identified as Patrice Endres. Endres’ wedding ring was never recovered. The ring consists of two bands soldered together with a marquis diamond center stone. It is the hope of law enforcement that someone may recognize the ring, which may lead them to the person responsible. If you have information about this case please contact the GBI tip line at 800-597-8477.

Georgia unsolved killings On Monday, February 16, 2004 , Scott Arturo Castillo was found murdered outside his residence located at 4642 Thomson Highway , Lincolnton, Lincoln County , Georgia. The cause of death was multiple gunshot wounds. Evidence suggests Castillo was killed on Sunday, February 15, 2004 . Castillo lived alone at his residence. A reward of $1500 is offered for the apprehension and prosecution of those responsible for the murder of Scott Castillo. Contact Info: GBI Region 7 Thomson Office 706-595-2575 or Lincoln County Sheriff's Office 706-359-4118.

Georgia unsolved killings On March 1, 2003, Bartolo Salez Claudio was shot and killed at the address of 159 Maple Street, Lot#14, Douglas, Coffee County, Georgia. This area is locally known and referred to as the Oak Park Community. On March 29, 2003, six Hispanic males were shot at the address of 325 Elm Street, Douglas, Coffee County, Georgia. This area is locally known and referred to as the Oak Park Community. Jose Luis Gaitan, Ramon Obino, Juan Camacho Recendes, and Nabor Recendes were discovered deceased from gunshot wounds. The two surviving victims were able to describe the assailants as black males. Three sketches were completed with the assistance of the surviving victims in 2003. These sketches were recently updated to reflect potential changes in appearance over time (pictured above). Evidence recovered from both scenes indicates the possibility that the same suspects are responsible for both incidents.

Georgia unsolved killing Kelvin McDuffie's body was found off of Olympic Drive in Athens-Clarke County, Georgia on Thursday, January 16, 2003. Law Enforcement is requesting any information regarding his activities or associates prior to January 16, 2003. A REWARD is available for information leading to an arrest and conviction. Contact Info: Athens-Clarke County PD 706-613-3330 or GBI Region 11 Athens Office 706-552-2309.

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Fishermen found Shirley Dermond’s body found ten days later in Lake Oconee. Someone had tried to weigh it down. The sheriff said she died of blunt force trauma.

Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills told Channel 2’s Mark Winne in 2014 evidence suggests the couple was killed with two different weapons.

In 2024, the FBI established a $20,000 reward in the hopes it would help solve their murders. Still, no arrests have been made.

The FBI put out a new call for information this week on social media.

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“It must have just been a moment of horror, and probably a very long moment of horror, unfortunately. And so, we know that Mom and Dad want us...” the Dermond’s son, Brad Dermond said, choking up.

“To keep going and move forward,” his wife Erin said, finishing the thought.

“From the moment that we were notified of this, we were in total horror,” Brad Dermond said.

Anyone with information that could help investigators should contact the FBI’s Atlanta Field Office at 770-216-3000 or the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office at 706-485-8557.

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