QUICK SUMMARY
The Putnam County Sheriff in Georgia is awaiting DNA test results linked to the 2014 double murder of Russell and Shirley Dermond, an investigation that has gained renewed attention after the FBI's involvement. The sheriff hopes to submit the DNA findings to national databases in hopes of identifying the perpetrator, as the case remains unsolved and has attracted a reward for information.
Sheriff Howard Sills of Putnam County, Georgia, is eagerly awaiting DNA test results connected to the horrific double murder of Russell and Shirley Dermond, who were killed in May 2014. The sheriff has stated that DNA from the crime scene has been analyzed by two laboratories, which confirmed it does not belong to the victims, prompting hopes for further investigation through national databases like CODIS. The FBI has also taken a renewed interest in the case, with Special Agent Andy Smith calling it one of the most unusual he has encountered in his career. Despite the passage of time, the sheriff's office continues to explore advanced forensic technologies in hopes of uncovering new leads. The murders, marked by Russell Dermond's decapitation and Shirley's body being found weighted down in Lake Oconee, have left a profound impact on the community. To incentivize information, the FBI is offering a $20,000 reward, supplemented by an additional $5,000 from local authorities. As the investigation unfolds, the community remains hopeful for a resolution that brings justice to the Dermond family. This case exemplifies the intersection of law enforcement and modern forensic science in the pursuit of long-awaited answers.