Sportsmen Sought For Clues On Dermond Murder At Lake Oconee

Local law-enforcement teams are asking sportsmen and anglers to share any information that could help bring justice to a recent murder case on the banks of Lake Oconee in Putnam County.

The double murder of an elderly couple, Russell and Shirley Dermond, has gained national attention, and law-enforcement officials are still looking for clues to help solve the case. The murders took place some time between Friday, May 2 and Monday, May 5 at the couple’s home in Great Waters, a high-scale neighborhood off Wards Chapel Road.

The Putnam County Sherriff’s Office is asking sportsmen and anglers who were in the area or on the lake May 2-5 to share any information that could lead to an arrest.

“Outdoors enthusiasts are an observant bunch, and we need their help,” said Harry Luke with the Putnam County Sherriff’s Office in Eatonton.

Sportsmen and anglers are asked to step forward if they have information that could lead to an arrest in the Russell and Shirley Dermond double-murder case. Mrs. Dermond’s body was found several miles downstream about two weeks after the murder.

Mr. Dermond’s body was found decapitated on May 6, while Mrs. Dermond’s body was not found until May 16 when an angler fishing several miles downstream near the mouth of Richland Creek discovered her body.

“Anyone in the Lake Oconee area during that time who observed anything suspicious on the water, on the bank, on the highways or at the boat ramps is urged to please contact the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office,” said Harry.

Tips can be given by phone at (706) 485-8557 or by e-mail to [email protected].