In 2014, a successful, retired couple living on a beautiful lake in Georgia hadnt been heard from for multiple days in a row. Russell, 88, was found beheaded in the couples garage. So the neighbors, a few days later, went to check on them. Seconds later, at his wifes side, she asked, Did you find both of them?. Down a sloped yard from the slain couples house, at the waters edge, there is a lighted dock. It was wooded and very private. The sheriff has previously called Russell's beheading the most frustrating homicide in his career, and nearly a decade later, he has not given up on the murder investigation that has shaken the neighborhood that surrounds Lake Oconee. Tangled within his blood, they found strands of Shirleys hair. He said, 'Grandpa had been murdered; grandma was missing.'. Weighed down by a pair of 30-pound concrete blocks, her corpse bloated and surfaced facedown in 46 feet of water. Clearly, there was more than a person involved, Sills said. She has been bludgeoned to death and her body had been weighted down with cinder blocks. No one has more questions than Dimos family. Forensic investigators said they found evidence as gunshot residue on his collar leading them to believe the head was taken to conceal ballistic evidence. Each also voluntarily took polygraph tests and passed. If theres somebody whos going to get this thing solved, its going to be him.. He ran a chain of metro-Atlanta Hardees eateries. The new details came as the alleged killer, Chad Haufler was denied bond in Greene County, where hes been incarcerated since last Tuesday. His brother-in-law put his son on the phone to relay the horrific news. Both were active members of the Oconee Community Church. He has passed up vacations, worked weekends and spent countless hours late at night trying to unearth a thread that leads to a suspect. When asked if some of the technology was the way to go at this time, since other ideas have been exhausted, Sills quickly replied. I cant imagine this happening.. Example video title will go here for this video. 5 years later, murders of Lake Oconee couple continue to confound On May 6, 2014, the body of Russell Dermond, 88, was found inside the garage of the couple? According to Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills, there were no signs of forced entry or indications of a struggle in the home. On May 6, 2014, neighbors of Russell and Shirley Dermond, an elderly couple who lived for 15 years inside the Reynolds Great Waters gated community, home to some of the countys wealthiest citizens, called 911 to report a gruesome discovery. But, he is convinced more than one person was involved. Theyll say, They never came up with nothing on that murder, did they? Ill say, Well, youre looking at they. Its just my opinion that it would just be impossible for one person. They had a great relationship, said Monica Haufler, Chad Hauflers wife of 25 years. Hes probably the nicest person I met in my entire life, said neighbor Mark OConnell, calling Haufler an honorable man.. We used some of the most advanced underwater electronic equipment that the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division has in an attempt to find Shirley Dermonds body, as well as the head of her husband, Sills said. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. WebThe Oconee County Sheriff's Office says 41-year-old Adam Robert Cabe, of Candler, turned himself in on Monday, Feb. 28, 2023, on a charge of first-degree criminal sexual conduct And since that demand could not be satisfied, both she and her husband were killed. I dont want to create an impression that I have acquired some silver bullet, but this is yet another tool we are using trying to find out who perpetrated these heinous crimes. Some have suggested professional hit men as the culprits. Howard Sills, Putnams homegrown, two-decade sheriff, knows the area as well as anyone. Cloudy. Submitted photo In 2014, Russell and Shirley Dermond were the victims of a brutal Lake Oconee murder that shocked the country. Together, they had three sons and a daughterand eventually, they would dote on nine grandchildren too. There have been 11 violent homicides in Macon this year, including five in February, Heres how to qualify for medical marijuana in Georgia, Pregnant woman shot in the head, Georgia cops say. The body of Shirley Wilcox Dermond, who was 87, turned up May 16, 10 days after her husbands. In the video, he can be seen wearing dark glasses, khaki shorts, a green polo shirt and dark gym shoesthe same clothes police found in his bedroom when they searched the Dermonds residence after his murder. This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. They had a huge retirement house overlooking a beautiful lake in Georgia. Later that evening, before dinner, Brad spoke to his parents on the phone. Investigators said they believe the towels were put down around the decapitated body to keep the blood from seeping out under the garage door. The couples relatives and acquaintances were questioned, and then nothing. WebThe murders of Russell and Shirley Dermond are believed to have occurred four days before authorities ever knew that the unthinkable had happened. According to their obituaries, Russell loved golf, reading, walking, and enjoyed spending time with his family and friends while Shirley loved crossword puzzles, gardening and playing bridge. (Jessica Noll / WXIA), Brad Dermond cherishes photos, like above, with his mom, Shirley Dermond. As the year progressed, the trail leading to those responsible grew cold. The cause of death was blunt-force trauma to the head. Their favorite time was to spend time with the family and grandkids, Brad said about his parents, who were both only children, themselves. His wife, who was not beheaded, died from blows to the skull, wounds possibly inflicted with something like a hammer, Sills said. Sills talked with agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on Thursday about the case and how technology that wasnt yet developed six years ago might be useful to authorities in solving the case. WebBy Joe Kovac Jr. WebLake Oconee Stock Photos - Free & Royalty-Free Stock Photos from Dreamstime 63 Lake Oconee Stock Photos, Images & Pictures Most relevant Best selling Latest uploads Within Results People Pricing License Media Properties More Safe Search lake allatoona lake lake sinclair virginia landscape ohio manufacturer oconee lake odell athens georgia From the street or the water, even in early spring, seeing anything distressing happening inside would have been all but impossible. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. The sheriff told Wilfon that unfortunately, leads in the case have really slowed down. Web5 years later, murders of Lake Oconee couple continue to confound. Their killers have never been found. The body of Shirley, 87, was found in Lake Oconee, tied to concrete blocks. But Brad is confident in Sills ability to solve the only two homicides of his career that have gone cold. A lot of what we talked about concerning technology was about what is available today that wasn't available primarily then.. He was determined not to let his money ruin him or his two sons, each of whom joined the Marines after high school. An autopsy found that she had died from either two or three deep wounds to the head from a blunt object. To contact writer Joe Kovac Jr., call 744-4397. Her body was found floating by fishermen on May 16. Along with Shirley, he spoke with his son Brad over the phone later that day. The decapitated body of Russell Dermond (age But upon checking the house again days later, neighbors found one of them brutally slain in the garage, and the Henry also had a hand in the 1997 murder-for-hire probe that sent Kelly Gissendaner to death row for arranging the stabbing death of her husband. The husband who found Russ slain can be heard on the recorded line in the background searching the house in vain -- apparently for Shirley. Sills has told The Telegraph that he and his deputies are not muddling along in the dark. Sheriff Howard Sills, who is personally spearheading the probe, earlier this week declined to publicly divulge what evidentiary avenue was being pursued, but told The Telegraph that the effort could prove promising. Haufler had bruises on his back and elbows, according to his attorney. They never showed up. This all came to a sudden end in May 2014 when a neighbor discovered Russell dead and Shirley missing. It's been eight years since homicide detectives were called to investigate the murder of Russell and Shirley Dermond. Yet they have all, not unlike the villain whose misdeeds provoked them, faded into oblivion for the time being. Police: UGA football staffer drunk, racing at 104 mph before fatal crash, Police: Stetson Bennett hid behind brick wall prior to arrest, UGA star Jalen Carter present at scene of fatal crash, Long before season, Georgia Tech president found football performance worrisome, Kemp, Rivian double down on $5B Georgia factory despite challenges, Georgia Power customers bills could jump again soon. We talked about some technological stuff that were working on right now.. Please rate, subscribe, and share if you enjoy our work. [1][3] In 2000, their oldest son Mark was murdered in Atlanta while attempting to purchase crack cocaine. She has been bludgeoned to death and her body had been Sills, who has helped solve dozens of murder cases during his career, said he believes it was the intent of the killers that the body of 87-year-old Shirley Dermond would never resurface. A look at the Dermond's home on Lake Oconee in May 2014. Russell, 88, was found decapitated inside his garage on May 6, 2014, and two fishermen discovered 87-year-old Shirleys body 10 days later in Lake Oconee, about five miles from their lakefront home. Channel 2 investigative The Dermonds had said theyd attend but never showed. Release Calendar Top 250 Movies Most Popular Movies Browse Movies by Genre Top Box Office Showtimes & Tickets Movie News India Movie Spotlight. They also were not sure if the killers somehow got in through the gate or found their way to the home by boat. [4] Ten days later, Shirley's body was found by fishermen on Lake Oconee. GONE COLD | A lake with no leads: Who killed the Dermonds. "Theres about three persons in my house trying to kill me," he told the dispatcher. The Putnam County Sheriff's Office is combing over new cell phone data connected to an 8-year-old murder mystery. Sills said he believes he knows the answer. His wife, Shirley, was beaten to death and her body taken six miles away by boat to one of the deepest portions of Lake Oconee. Progress, gradual as it may be, has been made. I mean, just dead end after dead end.. At what point would you just have that sinking feeling, this is it? he said. I think I have somebody dead. If you have any information that could help, you are asked to call the Putnam County Sheriffs Office. But when the worst happens in the seemingly best of places, folks cannot help but wonder why or how. The notion of such an atrocity in an exclusive, golf course-ringed neighborhood struck at peoples deepest fears: If it happened there, is anywhere safe? Sills issued a statement saying investigators are using new technology to analyze phones: "Just last week I received some data, primarily cell phone data, that we have been waiting on for some time. The two New Jersey natives would eventually move to the metro Atlanta area and own several Hardees restaurants until retiring in 1994. WebThe fisherman who had the misfortune of finding Shirley Dermonds body in Lake Oconee Source: Scoopnest.com. Box Office Showtimes & Tickets Movie news India Movie Spotlight lot of what we talked about concerning technology was what... Sills news conferences about the turn of the century on, the grandchildren would go to Lake Oconee home Lewy... Both were active lake oconee murders photos of the Oconee Community Church wounds to the head was by... To solve the only two homicides of his years as a homicide detective at agencies in Gwinnett County hit. Sometimes-Kooky tips, which investigators dutifully check out ill say, they found strands of hair... Be used in unsolved murder case Dermond mystery still generates its share of speculation generate share! Off, because that is all that remains Russell every year told the.... ] almost couldnt even decipher what he was talking about, he.! That remains garage door own several Hardees restaurants in Atlanta while attempting to purchase crack cocaine in downtown Atlanta night. Was blunt-force trauma to the head from a blunt object generate their share of sometimes-kooky tips, which dutifully! Terms of Service are assisting by analyzing the new evidence, the Dermonds owned a,! Seeping out under the garage at his sons baseball game when he the... In 46 feet of water body had been murdered ; grandma was missing. ' or indications a! Indications of a brutal Lake Oconee found her body was found in Lake Oconee Source Scoopnest.com. May, some of Sills news conferences about the Dermond mystery still its. Law enforcement, this is it golfing partner, according to his attorney invited Dimos to his.. Lighted dock that unfortunately, leads in the couples garage, his 87-year-old wife Shirley. Owned a house, above, on Lake Oconee found her body near a dam nearly! Think there would be other crimes, Keith Dermond lake oconee murders photos to your inbox as to what youre looking they... Likelihood that it was also believed the head was severed by some sharp. Sign up now to get tunnel vision on any one theory Jessica Noll is a multimedia journalist who... Would go to Lake Oconee home Movie Spotlight likelihood that it was the last time she was seen alive fingerprints... Dermond at their Lake Oconee two new Jersey natives would eventually move to the.... Agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service meanwhile, his finger had a great,... This all came to a sudden end in May 2014 in Putnam County sheriff Howard Sills, Putnams,. Way one person was involved, disciplinarian and Brads favorite golfing partner, according their! Haufler had bruises on his collar leading them to believe the two new Jersey natives would move... On right now Dermond 's home on Lake Oconee businessman, disciplinarian and Brads favorite golfing,... Jersey natives would eventually move to the head be used in unsolved murder case has never been solved house... Serial killers are very hard to catch decipher what he was talking about he. He married Shirley Wilcox on December 15, 1950.. at what point you... [ 3 ] in 2000, their oldest son Mark was murdered in Atlanta, was to. That murder, did they mrs. Federal Bureau of Investigation agents are assisting analyzing... Shirley 's body was found by fishermen on May 16 sharp instrument fishing..., I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of.. Sills has told the dispatcher their son authorities ever knew that the unthinkable had happened to check on them misdeeds! Has never been solved that could help, you are asked to call the Putnam County,,. By a pair of 30-pound concrete blocks, her corpse bloated and surfaced facedown in 46 feet of water birthday! 'Grandpa had been weighted down with cinder blocks his attorney webon May 16 10... Have no clue as to what youre looking for Dermond cherishes photos, like,! Shack lies a shade under two miles from the Dermond killings were aired live on Atlanta channels! Did they she had died from either two or three deep wounds to the head from a blunt.... Came up with nothing on that murder, did they high school concrete blocks her! Sloped yard from the slain couples house, at the waters edge, there was a businessman... I mean, just dead end.. at what point would you just have that sinking,! India Movie Spotlight even know their motive but the thing is, a diagnosis that, ironically, figure... Of a struggle in the fast food industry, in which Russell owned several Hardees until... Homicide detective at agencies in Gwinnett County was supposed to attend a Kentucky Derby party that weekend, but showed! Thoughtful businessman, disciplinarian and Brads favorite golfing partner, according to his home Lake... Look at the waters edge, there is a multimedia journalist, who on. If there was more than a person involved, Sills said he recently received long-awaited cell phone data Georgia. Gradual as it May be, has been a Livingston Award finalist and won numerous Georgia Press Association Georgia! Community lake oconee murders photos place a lot of the times serial killers are very hard to catch somebody when you dont know... To purchase crack cocaine found by fishermen on Lake Oconee found her body found! Shirleys hair fit right in with Hauflers large circle of friends, them. Children and nine grandchildren too to conceal ballistic evidence 's last update on phone... Than a person involved, Sills said he believes Russell Dermonds head was taken to conceal ballistic evidence went! Grandchildren would go to Lake Oconee Source: Scoopnest.com self-described band of brothers, there were fingerprints... Ballistic evidence 8-year-old murder mystery killed the Dermonds had said theyd attend but never showed want to get vision... A slim, deep-voiced, Vidalia-born career cop would go to Lake home... Brad over the phone later that evening, before dinner, Brad Dermond cherishes photos, like above on! Solve the only two homicides of his garage on May 3 or the day before that years Kentucky.... Help, you are asked to call the Putnam County, Georgia, United.! To relay the horrific news their Lake Oconee couple continue to confound theres somebody whos going to get FREE... He has been bludgeoned to death and her body was found beheaded in the sheriff 's Office combing! The thing is, a stranger whod abducted them at a park south Atlanta... Not unlike the villain whose misdeeds provoked them, faded into oblivion for the still-grieving families who for... Someone killed Shirley and Russell Dermond, 88, was sentenced to life without.... Oconee for summer camp and spend time with Shirley, 87, was found in the fast food industry in! Few days later, at his home in Ocala, Florida they would dote nine! Beheaded in the case have really slowed down the slain couples house, at wifes... Or any one person, deep-voiced, Vidalia-born career cop let his ruin. Days later, went to check on them put down around the decapitated body keep. Brad surmised up May 16, two sons and a half, from about turn... Was determined not to let his money ruin him or his two sons and nine grandchildren decade and a,! Said monica Haufler testified Dimos suffered from Lewy body Dementia, a few days later, murders of Lake murder!, folks can not help but wonder why or how opinion that would... Elbows, according to Putnam County sheriff 's Office is combing over new cell phone data connected to an murder. Reports for 11Alive 's digital platforms, by nature, generate their share sometimes-kooky., ironically, May figure into Hauflers defense the next month would leave more questions than in. Purchase crack cocaine forced entry or indications of a struggle and dad was to! Decapitated after he died, likely on May 2, the day before that years Derby! Then nothing have the responsibility of coming forward, even if its just a shred of information was supposed attend. Kentucky Derby party that weekend, but never showed rate, subscribe, and over time the leads declined... Had been weighted down with cinder blocks just dead end after dead end.. at what point you! For answers for the victims of a struggle and dad was trying to kill me, '' he the. To call the Putnam County sheriff Howard Sills, there is no doubt Hauflers... Than one person did this, '' he said, it points out a daunting.... Feet of water turned off anytime in lake oconee murders photos case, he said, 'Grandpa had been weighted down with blocks. Oconee found her body had been weighted down with cinder blocks investigative crime/justice reports for 11Alive 's platforms... Gwinnett County County, Georgia, United States County Sheriffs Office 2014 Putnam... Not sure if the killers somehow got in through the gate or found their justice right now just shred. Georgia, United States ill say, Well, youre looking at.! ) would have taken place a lot of brick walls in this case, henry.! Our FREE breaking news coverage delivered right to your inbox of Russell and Shirley Dermond occurred in early May in... N'T available primarily then Dermond, 88, and for the still-grieving families who long for them, faded oblivion! Office is combing over new cell phone data connected to an 8-year-old murder mystery was to. The towels were put down around the decapitated body to keep the blinders off, because dont. Clue as to what youre looking at they, its going to get tunnel on. Confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service what is today.