Digital billboard to help with search for elderly Eatonton woman
Lacking any substantial clues, investigators searching for a missing Eatonton woman plan to display her image on digital billboards across the state.
Shirley Dermond is believed to have been abducted sometime last weekend. The decapitated body of Russell Dermond, her husband of 68 years, was found by neighbors inside the exclusive Reynolds Plantation community on Tuesday. There was no sign of his wife, and no indication of forced entry or theft, Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills said.
Shirley Dermond’s cell phone, car keys and purse were left behind.
On Friday, law enforcement officers returned to the waters of Lake Oconee behind the Dermonds’ home. A previous search turned up nothing but a Christmas tree and lawn chair, Sills said.
A vigil for the couple was held Saturday night at Lake Oconee Village Pond. At least 100 people attended, Channel 2 Action News reported.
The Dermonds’ pastor said Putnam County, which hasn’t recorded a murder in eight years, is still coming to grips with the tragedy.
“It’s a very dark situation, and we’re not through it yet,” said David Key, pastor of Lake Oconee Community Church, where Russell and Shirley Dermond have been members for eight years. “This darkness is going to linger for a long time.”
Key has met with the couple’s three adult children and said they are delaying funeral arrangements for their father while the search for Shirley Dermond continues.
They remain hopeful their mother will be found, Key said.
About the Author
A native Atlantan, Boone joined the AJC staff in 2007. He quickly carved out a niche covering crime stories, assuming the public safety beat in 2014. He's covered some of the biggest trials this decade, from Hemy Neuman to Ross Harris to Chip Olsen, the latter of which was featured on Season 7 of the AJC's award-winning "Breakdown" podcast.
