Crime and Coffee Couple, Ep. 230

The Murders of Russell and Shirley Dermond

Hosts: Allison and Mike
Release Date: February 1, 2026

Episode Overview

In this episode, married hosts Allison and Mike delve into the tragic and still-unsolved murders of 88-year-old Russell Dermond and his 87-year-old wife, Shirley, in rural Georgia’s affluent Lake Oconee community. Known for balancing humor and empathy, the hosts provide an in-depth look at the couple’s golden years, the shocking crime, theories, and lingering questions—while keeping the conversation both poignant and relatable for listeners.

Casual Banter & Introduction

(Begins at 01:03)

• Allison and Mike open with their signature light-hearted, affectionate banter and discuss relatable domestic woes (showering with broken hot water, messy home repairs, family holiday tales).
  • “Yeah, the hot water line's leaking ... It's been a pain.” — Mike (01:45)
  • “I was so sick to my stomach. We had no bathrooms available. I had to rush to the gas station to be sick.” — Allison (02:27)
• Their banter also touches on aging, family dynamics, and even a humorous midnight incident involving mysterious smells—underscoring their authenticity and long partnership.
  • “It smelled so bad. It woke me up, and I yelled out, why would she fart?” — Allison (07:03)
  • “And for any male listeners that found Allison attractive. Well, welcome to the party. Here, this is what you get.” — Mike (07:47)

Case Introduction: The Dermond Murders

(Begins at 08:33)

• Allison transitions to the case with heartfelt empathy for vulnerable populations, setting the tone for a respectful exploration of the victims’ lives and tragic deaths.
  • “There’s just something about animals, babies, and the elderly ... so precious and innocent ... when something harmful happens ... it just breaks my heart.” — Allison (08:33)

The Victims: Russell & Shirley Dermond

(Details begin at 10:24)

• The couple, married since 1950, were described as loving, active retirees. They owned Hardee’s fast food locations in Atlanta before retiring to a beautiful, gated lakeside community.
• Their five-bedroom, lakefront “dream home” was valued at $2.75 million in 2025 (sold post-murders for only $650,000).
  • “They owned ... a five bedroom, six bathroom, 5,800 square foot lakefront home ... on Lake Oconee.” — Allison (11:24)
  • “According to their son Brad, his parents were the most wonderful people you would ever want to meet.” — Allison (14:11)

Personal Details:

• Russell: Navy WWII veteran, avid golfer; Shirley: artist, writer, gardener, and bridge player.
• Deep family ties: three sons, one daughter, nine grandchildren.
• Tragedy already struck: their son Mark had been murdered in a 2000 drug deal.

Timeline of Events & Discovery

(Case details unfold from 15:50 through ~27:23)

Last Known Movements:

• May 1, 2014: Russell seen running errands (bank, Publix grocery, picking up Shirley’s prescription).
• Last contact made with son Brad (routine check-ins).

Disappearance & Discovery:

• May 3: Missed a planned Kentucky Derby party—uncharacteristic, caused concern.
• May 6 (09:58): Neighbors Peggy and her husband checked the house, found an unclaimed newspaper and entered through the unlocked door. Russell was found decapitated in the garage; Shirley was missing.
  • “They found Russell’s headless body lying on the ground ... Peggy immediately picked up the phone and frantically dialed 911.” — Allison (16:36)

Crime Scene Details:

• The home was tidy, peaceful, and showed no sign of forced entry or struggle.
• Russell’s body: Found on the garage floor, decapitated, with evidence of a struggle (cuts, bruising); towels placed to contain blood.
• Shirley’s crossword puzzle left unfinished; clues hint at a morning or midday attack.
  • “Her unfinished crossword puzzle sat folded over on the kitchen table with a pencil on top.” — Allison (23:10)
• Russell’s head was missing, believed discarded in the lake to conceal ballistic evidence (gunshot residue found on his shirt).

The Search for Shirley & Autopsy Findings

(27:23–33:14)

Search:

• Massive search involving drag hooks, search dogs, FBI, and pontoon boats.
• May 16, 2014: Two fishermen discovered Shirley’s bloated body five miles away in Lake Oconee, weighted with cinder blocks tied by parachute cord.
  • “They spotted what they initially believed was a buoy ... realized it was a body.” — Allison (30:12)
• The method of weighting was “amateur”—her body floated regardless.

Autopsy Findings:

• Shirley was killed by blunt force trauma (likely a hammer) to the head, not drowning.
• Russell's autopsy: Decapitation (clean cut through C5 vertebrae) listed as cause of death, but Sheriff Sills believes it was a gunshot and the decapitation was postmortem to hide ballistic evidence.
  • “Sheriff Sills believes that Russell’s cause of death ... was from a gunshot wound to the head ... took the time ... to conceal ballistic evidence.” — Allison (29:27)

Investigation, Theories, and Troubling Questions

(33:14–42:04)

Immediate Obstacles:

• Security cameras in the neighborhood were inoperable due to recent lightning damage.
• No sign of theft: valuables, cash, credit cards, and jewelry were left untouched.

Theories & Motives Explored:

• Robbery/extortion attempt: Sills believes the perpetrators expected a ransom or cash, but the couple either couldn’t or wouldn’t comply.
  • “Sills began to believe that the Dermonds died in ... a botched robbery extortion.” — Allison (35:45)
• No evidence points to family involvement; children had airtight alibis and passed polygraphs.
• Outside possibilities: organized crime (mob), revenge connected to son’s history, a maintenance worker, or an opportunistic killer using the lake as access.
  • “There have been several theories ... New Jersey mob, a drug dealer seeking revenge ... nothing ever panned out ... no fingerprints, no foreign DNA, no eyewitnesses.” — Allison (37:52)
• The incomplete professionalism of the crime points away from professional killers.

Family & Community Grief:

• The Dermonds’ children struggle with “bittersweet” memories, the horror of the crime, and the frustration over lack of resolution.
  • “Losing parents at the same time ... is devastating. ... The pain and the fear that they endured ... I can’t imagine.” — Allison (42:04)

New Developments & Hopes for Justice

(~42:59–50:00)

• The case is more than a decade old, but Sheriff Sills keeps it active.
• In 2024, a previously unknown DNA sample was recovered from Russell's clothing and submitted for genealogical analysis; so far, no CODIS match.
  • “In 2024 ... Russell’s clothing was further tested ... an unknown DNA sample ... thus far this sample has not been a match to anyone.” — Allison (43:17)
  • “We can only hope ... genealogical techniques ... will lead to this person or people.” — Allison (46:04)
• $45,000 reward remains for information leading to arrest.
• Hosts urge listeners to contact authorities if they have information: Putnam Co. Sheriff’s office, 706-485-8557.

Hosts' Reflections, Practical Advice, and Closing Thoughts

(Throughout; especially 46:51–49:59)

• Expressions of sympathy and anger for the family and victims.
• Practical home security advice—install cameras, ensure alarms and systems are functional.
  • "I'm a security camera guy ... put a couple of those around your house ... it'll scan intelligently ... you need some cameras around your house." — Mike (48:30)
• Resentment for unsolved mysteries: “It’s so frustrating that somebody did this ... and they’re not caught.” — Allison (49:09)
• Emphasize the randomness and vulnerability felt in affluent, “safe” communities.
• Existential reflection: “My heart breaks for Shirley and Russell and their family ... these people are still out there.” — Allison (49:59)

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On retirement dreams vs. vulnerability:
  “During retirement, this is a time that might be referred to as our golden years ... [but] it just breaks my heart.” — Allison (08:33)

• On the scene’s normality/jarring contrast:
  “The gruesome scene in the garage was a stark contrast to the tidiness of the inside ... an elderly couple that took pride in their home.” — Allison (22:06)

• On lingering pain and hope:
  “They’re left to only imagine the horrors of [their] parents’ last moments ... the image of Russell clutching hairs in his hands ... I can't imagine ...” — Allison (42:59)
  "I'm just so mad and angry. I can't imagine how this family feels." — Mike (45:50)

• On security:
  “Get your freaking security cameras working, people.” — Mike (33:46) “Have security cameras. I’m a security camera guy ... I have alerts on all our cameras ... so at least I can get up and do something about it.” — Mike (47:47)

• On unsolved mysteries:
  "Unsolved cases drive me absolutely insane ... it's so frustrating that somebody did this ... and they're not caught." — Allison (49:09)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 01:03 – 08:33: Hosts’ friendly banter and transition to the case.
• 08:33 – 10:24: Empathetic case introduction.
• 10:24 – 15:50: Background on the Dermonds’ lives.
• 15:50 – 27:23: Timeline of disappearance, discovery of Russell, and crime scene description.
• 27:23 – 33:14: Search for Shirley, autopsy results for both.
• 33:14 – 42:04: Theories, suspects, investigative obstacles.
• 42:59 – 46:51: Family trauma, new DNA evidence, genealogical developments.
• 46:51 – 49:59: Reflections, security tips, and emotional closure.
• 49:59 – end: Hopes for resolution, gratitude to listeners, podcast outro.

Final Thoughts

The murder of Russell and Shirley Dermond is a heartbreaking and enigmatic case, one that the hosts treat with a balance of warmth, respectful curiosity, and communal resolve. While the investigation has hit roadblocks, the discovery of new DNA evidence and the continued pursuit by law enforcement, family, and those like Allison and Mike keep hope alive that answers—and justice—may still be found.

If you have information on this case, contact the Putnam County Sheriff's office at 706-485-8557.

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Crime and Coffee Couple