Elrey “Bud” Runion placed an ad on Craigslist in search of a 1966 Ford Mustang, hoping to reconnect with a car similar to one he had owned years earlier after returning from the Vietnam War. This decision led him and his wife, June, on a fateful journey to McRae, a town in south Georgia, in January 2015.
Tragically, this trip marked the last time anyone saw the couple alive. Their bodies were later discovered in woods off a rural road in Telfair County, with their SUV found submerged in a nearby lake. The victims, both shot in the head, were allegedly murdered by Ronnie “Jay” Adrian Towns, the individual they had been in contact with regarding the Craigslist ad.
Despite numerous delays, Towns has yet to stand trial for the murders. However, recent developments have emerged in the case. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) announced the discovery of new evidence earlier this month, retrieved from a creek near Towns’ residence. The findings included a rifle and a bag containing items belonging to the Runions, recovered by an individual engaged in magnet fishing.
Following this discovery, authorities obtained a search warrant for a home in Telfair County, securing additional evidence for further analysis at the crime lab. While specific details remain undisclosed, it is believed that the recovered rifle may be linked to the suspect, given its proximity to Towns’ residence and the crime scene.
Towns, who was charged with murder and armed robbery in 2015, had allegedly deceived the Runions by responding to their ad for the vintage car, despite not owning it. The couple’s disappearance garnered national attention, shedding light on their altruistic nature within their community.
As the case progresses, Towns’ trial is tentatively scheduled for August, with the district attorney indicating intent to pursue the death penalty. The Runions’ tragic fate serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that can accompany seemingly innocuous transactions, underscoring the importance of caution in online interactions.
