HUBBY BEHEADED IN GARAGE, WIFE IN LAKE TIED TO CEMENT: Who Killed the Dermonds? Best of Crime Stories
Digest
The episode delves into the mysterious disappearance and subsequent discovery of Russell and Shirley Durmond, a couple living in a gated community on Lake O'Coney, Georgia. The case is unusual due to the high-end nature of the community and the brutal nature of the murders. The episode discusses the DNA evidence found at the crime scene, highlighting the challenges of extracting useful information from a scene with a high volume of victim DNA. Dr. Kristen Middleman, a renowned scientist specializing in DNA technology, explains the process of analyzing DNA evidence and the potential for using genealogical databases to identify suspects. Sheriff Howard Sills, the elected sheriff of Putnam County, presents his theory that multiple perpetrators were involved in the Durmond murders. He cites the difficulty of moving the bodies and the level of violence as evidence supporting his theory. The episode explores the victims' behavior leading up to their deaths, attempting to determine the time of day the murders occurred. The discussion focuses on the lack of signs of a struggle or preparation for an attack, suggesting the victims were caught off guard. The panel discusses the potential motive behind the murders, focusing on the possibility that Russell Durmond was specifically targeted due to his involvement in an unknown activity. Dr. John Delatory, a forensic psychologist, suggests that the perpetrator may have felt offended by Durmond's actions. Sheriff Sills announces a break in the case, revealing that DNA evidence has been recovered from Russell Durmond's shirt and sent to a private lab for analysis. The lab confirmed that the DNA does not belong to either victim, suggesting it belongs to the perpetrator or someone involved in the crime. The episode revisits the details of the Durmond murders, emphasizing the unusual nature of the crime and the ongoing search for the perpetrator. Sheriff Sills discusses the discovery of new DNA evidence and the process of analyzing it, including the potential use of genealogical databases. Dr. Middleman explains the process of extracting DNA from clothing and the significance of finding a profile that doesn't belong to the victims. She highlights the potential for this newly discovered DNA to lead to the identification of the perpetrator. The episode concludes with a call for information from the public, offering a $55,000 reward for any information leading to the resolution of the Durmond murders. The episode also pays tribute to Officer Garrett Crumbi, a Huntsville, Alabama police officer who was recently killed in the line of duty.
Outlines
The Durmond Case: A Gated Community Mystery
The episode delves into the mysterious disappearance and subsequent discovery of Russell and Shirley Durmond, a couple living in a gated community on Lake O'Coney, Georgia. The case is unusual due to the high-end nature of the community and the brutal nature of the murders.
DNA Evidence and the Durmond Case
The episode discusses the DNA evidence found at the crime scene, highlighting the challenges of extracting useful information from a scene with a high volume of victim DNA. Dr. Kristen Middleman, a renowned scientist specializing in DNA technology, explains the process of analyzing DNA evidence and the potential for using genealogical databases to identify suspects.
The Theory of Multiple Perpetrators
Sheriff Howard Sills, the elected sheriff of Putnam County, presents his theory that multiple perpetrators were involved in the Durmond murders. He cites the difficulty of moving the bodies and the level of violence as evidence supporting his theory.
Analyzing the Victims' Behavior
The episode explores the victims' behavior leading up to their deaths, attempting to determine the time of day the murders occurred. The discussion focuses on the lack of signs of a struggle or preparation for an attack, suggesting the victims were caught off guard.
The Motive: Offense and Targeting
The panel discusses the potential motive behind the murders, focusing on the possibility that Russell Durmond was specifically targeted due to his involvement in an unknown activity. Dr. John Delatory, a forensic psychologist, suggests that the perpetrator may have felt offended by Durmond's actions.
A Break in the Case: New DNA Evidence
Sheriff Sills announces a break in the case, revealing that DNA evidence has been recovered from Russell Durmond's shirt and sent to a private lab for analysis. The lab confirmed that the DNA does not belong to either victim, suggesting it belongs to the perpetrator or someone involved in the crime.
The Importance of DNA Evidence
Dr. Middleman explains the process of extracting DNA from clothing and the significance of finding a profile that doesn't belong to the victims. She highlights the potential for this newly discovered DNA to lead to the identification of the perpetrator.
Keywords
Gated Community
A residential area with controlled access, often featuring security measures like gates, fences, and surveillance systems. Gated communities are typically associated with higher-end properties and a sense of exclusivity.
DNA Technology
A field of science that focuses on the analysis and manipulation of DNA, used in various applications, including forensic investigations, medical diagnostics, and genetic research.
Genealogical Databases
Online databases containing family history information, including names, birth dates, locations, and family relationships. Law enforcement agencies can use these databases to identify potential suspects by comparing DNA profiles to those of individuals in the databases.
Forensic Psychology
A branch of psychology that applies psychological principles to legal and criminal justice settings. Forensic psychologists can provide expertise on topics such as criminal profiling, witness testimony, and the assessment of mental competency.
Touch DNA
DNA that is transferred from one person to another through physical contact. Touch DNA can be found on objects like clothing, weapons, and surfaces.
Degraded DNA
DNA that has been damaged or broken down, often due to exposure to environmental factors like heat, moisture, or chemicals. Degraded DNA can be more difficult to analyze, but specialized techniques can be used to extract and analyze it.
Q&A
What makes the Durmond case so unusual?
The case is unusual due to the high-end nature of the gated community where the murders occurred, the brutal nature of the murders, and the lack of evidence suggesting a robbery or other motive.
How does DNA technology play a role in the Durmond case?
DNA evidence was recovered from Russell Durmond's shirt, and it was sent to a private lab for analysis. The lab confirmed that the DNA does not belong to either victim, suggesting it belongs to the perpetrator or someone involved in the crime.
What is the theory behind the involvement of multiple perpetrators?
Sheriff Sills believes that multiple perpetrators were involved due to the difficulty of moving the bodies and the level of violence involved in the murders.
What are some potential motives for the murders?
The panel discusses the possibility that Russell Durmond was specifically targeted due to his involvement in an unknown activity. Dr. Delatory suggests that the perpetrator may have felt offended by Durmond's actions.
How can genealogical databases be used to identify suspects?
By comparing DNA profiles from crime scenes to those of individuals in genealogical databases, law enforcement agencies can infer the identity of potential suspects.
What is the significance of the newly discovered DNA evidence?
The newly discovered DNA evidence could hold the key to identifying the perpetrator and resolving the Durmond murders. Dr. Middleman explains the process of extracting DNA from clothing and the potential for this evidence to lead to a breakthrough in the case.
Show Notes
Russell and Shirley Dermond live in a beautiful lakefront property, Lake Oconee, Georgia.
The couple is expected at a Kentucky Derby watch party with neighbors, but don’t show up. When the neighbors reach out by phone, the Dermonds don’t answer. Days later, arriving at the Dermond’s home, the neighbor is surprised to find the front door unlocked. The neighbor calls out their names to no reply.
The neighbor looks in the garage to see if the Dermond’s car is there. The neighbor discovers Russell Dermond laying on the garage floor, decapitated. The neighbor calls 911, racing around the house looking for Shirley Dermond, but she is nowhere to be found.
Investigators begin a neighborhood search and beyond for Shirley Dermond, without success. The search lasts for 10 days until two fishermen find her body in lake Oconee. Shirley Dermond has been dumped in the lake with cinder blocks tied to her legs. Her body is recovered about 5 miles from the Dermond home near the dam.
Joining Nancy Grace Today:
- Sheriff Howard Sills - Putnam County Sheriff
- Dr. Kristen Mittelman- Chief Development Officer, Othram Inc., Othram.com, DNAsolves.com;; X @OthramTech
- Joe Scott Morgan – Professor of Forensics: Jacksonville State University, Author, “Blood Beneath My Feet,” and Host: “Body Bags with Joseph Scott Morgan;” X: @JoScottForensic
- Dr. John Delatorre – Licensed Psychologist and Mediator (specializing in forensic psychology); Psychological Consultant to Project Absentis: a nonprofit organization that searches for missing persons; Twitter, IG, and TikTok – @drjohndelatorre
- Cody Alcorn – Reporter, 11Alive WXIA (Atlanta, GA); Facebook.com/CodyAlcornNews
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