Deborah Dill's Case: Keeping This Missing Mother in the Headlines

When Deborah Dill, 48, of Augusta, GA vanished into thin air on March 24, 2006, her husband, John, did not report her missing.

There is a common pattern of conduct in many intimate partner violence cases, especially when a violent relationship turns deadly. The last person known to have seen the victim will fabricate a story that may include saying, "I thought she left me" or, "she just took off." Individuals who are not able to peacefully walk away from a relationship are simply cowards without any regard for human life; they are extremely dangerous to others, especially when they suddenly resume former friendships and relationships.  

John Dill returned to his ex-wife and moved back in with her after Deborah was reported missing. The ex-wife was interviewed by law enforcement, but if she's in denial or fears for her own safety, she'd likely protect John, which translates into keeping her own self safe. Although the general public is unable to fathom why anyone would allow a person suspected of murder to live in the same home and sleep in the same bed with them, a victim's thoughts, unconscious or otherwise, are, "there but for the grace of God go I."

Police have only one main suspect and that is Deborah's husband, John Dill, a person of few words when it comes to cooperating with law enforcement. Since Deborah was reported missing, six weeks after March 24, by her adult daughter, Richmond County, GA Sheriff's department has been working the case to find her remains. On John Dill's home computer, investigated in 2006, law enforcement found search information regarding decomposition of a body both on land and water, along with how to outsmart lie detector tests.

Authorities are confident if they find the remains of Deborah Dill, an arrest is imminent because the DNA will hopefully tell the story. The story however, began as intimate violence cases do, both past and present; the person responsible believes they will never get caught and will get away with murder. Victims who are kept from family and friends over time, isolated, live and breath the toxic fumes of fear. Deborah Dill likely believed, as most do, her husband whom she at one time loved, would never be capable of taking her life. Sadly, no one ever does.

Investigators also point out that John and Deborah Dill had a heated relationship with reports of multiple domestic disputes, including death threats. There were even witnesses who saw them fighting the day she went missing six years ago.  

Deborah's family has erected billboards and kept her voice alive through the media with hope that someone will come forward with information. 

The family should also consider contacting  CUE Center for Missing Persons.  They are a national organization dedicated to assisting families, conducting searches, and spreading awareness with national attention for all cases when they are registered.  It doesn't matter how new or old a missing persons case might be, they handle each case and family with care.  I strongly urge the family to visit the CUE site at www.ncmissingpersons.org and register Deborah's case.

I also extend an invitation to Deborah Dill's family to contact me and consider highlighting Deborah's case on my radio shows. My email address is murphymilano@gmail.com.

All tips are kept confidential, if you know anything, please call the Richmond County Sheriff's Office at (706) 821-1080.

Susan Murphy Milano is a staff member of the Institute for Relational Harm Reduction and Public Pathology Education as a educator and specialist with intimate partner violence prevention strategies directing prevention for high risk situations and cases.

 A national trainer to law enforcement, training officers, prosecutors, judges, legislators, social service providers, healthcare professionals, victim advocates and the faith based community and author.. In partnership with Management Resources Ltd. of New York addressing prevention and solutions within the community to the workplace. Host of The Susan Murphy Milano Show,"Time'sUp!" . She is a regular contributor to the nationally syndicated "The Roth Show" with Dr Laurie Roth and a co-host onCrime Wire. Online contributions: Forbes : Crime, She Writes providing commentary about the hottest topics on crime, justice, and law from a woman’s perspective, as well as Time's Up! a blog which searches for solutions (SOS) for victims of crime.  

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