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Son of murdered Putnam Co. couple said case turned over

PUTNAM COUNTY, Ga — The son of the murdered Putnam County couple confirmed investigators finished their search of his parents' home and have turned it back over to the family.

It's been nearly three weeks since someone killed and beheaded 88-year-old Russell Dermond inside a lakefront home at Great Waters Reynolds Plantation. Deputies believe the same person murdered his wife, 87-year-old Shirley Dermond then dumped her body into Lake Oconee. Fishermen discovered her body in the lake last week.

Son Keith Dermond said over the phone that the Putnam County Sheriff's Department officially turned his parents' home over to their children. According to Dermond, they've been going through the house. He said the home still was disheveled from the search for clues and that much of it was covered in fingerprint dust.

While he declined to comment on the investigation, Keith Dermond did want to thank his parents' friends and neighbors.

"We appreciate all the support and ask for your continued prayers," said Dermond.

Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills said they had no new information or clues to release in the double murder case.