The person at the center of this case
Russell Joseph Dermond and Shirley Wilcox Dermond
Cold Case · Open
12 years waiting · since 2014
RUSSELL JOSEPH DERMOND AND SHIRLEY WILCOX DERMOND
Justice for Russell Joseph Dermond and Shirley Wilcox Dermond — the trail went cold in 2014, but the truth hasn't.
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Key leads to think about
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evidence
Lead #1What was the significance of Russell's decapitation and the disposal of Shirley's body in Lake Oconee—does this suggest premeditation or a crime of passion?
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suspect
Lead #2Were there any known conflicts, financial disputes, or personal relationships that might have motivated this double homicide?
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timeline
Lead #3What occurred during the ten-day gap between Russell's discovery and Shirley's body being found—was she killed at the same time or later?
On May 6, 2014, Russell Joseph Dermond was found brutally murdered and decapitated in his home in Eatonton, Georgia; his wife Shirley Wilcox Dermond was missing at the time of discovery. Ten days later, Shirley's body was recovered from Lake Oconee by fishermen, indicating a double homicide with possible staging or concealment. Despite FBI and local investigation, the perpetrator(s) remain unidentified, and the motive and circumstances surrounding this violent crime remain unsolved.
Case
#430
FBI Atlanta Field Office and Putnam County Sheriff's Office
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More leads to consider
Beyond the top three above — each detail below could be the thread that pulls this case open.
📍
location
Lead #4Why was Shirley's body disposed of in Lake Oconee while Russell was left in the home—does this indicate knowledge of the area or an attempt to separate evidence?
Have information about any of these leads?
Even the smallest detail could be the key to solving this case.
Official wording
Source Narrative
May 6, 2014 Eatonton, Georgia The FBI's Atlanta Field Office and the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office in Georgia, are asking for the public’s assistance in locating the individual(s) responsible for the deaths of Russell Joseph Dermond and his wife, Shirley Wilcox Dermond. On May 6, 2014, Russell Dermond was found dead in his home in Eatonton, Georgia.
He had been decapitated. At that time, Shirley Wilcox could not be located.
Ten days later, on May 16, 2014, Shirley’s body was found by fishermen in Lake Oconee in Georgia.
Timeline of Events
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2014-05-06
Russell Dermond found deceased
Russell Joseph Dermond discovered dead in his home in Eatonton, Georgia; victim had been decapitated. Shirley Wilcox Dermond was reported missing at this time.
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2014-05-16
Shirley Dermond's body recovered
Shirley Wilcox Dermond's body was found by fishermen in Lake Oconee, Georgia, ten days after her husband's discovery.
Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case
Case Information
Incident:May 6, 2014
Last Updated:July 22, 2026
Up to $20,000 Reward
For information leading to the resolution of this case
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Case Information
Incident:May 6, 2014
Last Updated:July 22, 2026
Up to $20,000 Reward
For information leading to the resolution of this case