Tragic Discovery: IDs and Cell Phones of Slain Couple Found in Creek Years Later
In a chilling case from 2015, Elrey “Bud” Runion and his wife June were tragically killed during a vintage car purchase in the woods of south Georgia. Recently, their IDs and cell phones resurfaced in a nearby creek, providing crucial new leads for law enforcement in the pursuit of justice for the accused perpetrator.
Elrey “Bud” Runion wanted to find a 1966 Ford Mustang like the one he had before serving in the Vietnam War. He decided to post an ad on Craigslist in hopes of reconnecting with his past through a sentimental purchase.
A seller responded, claiming to have the car in McRae, a town in south Georgia. Excited, Runion and his wife, June, drove about 180 miles from their home in suburban Atlanta in their champagne-colored GMC Envoy to meet the seller.
In January 2015, the US Army veteran, 69, and his 65-year-old wife were last seen alive. Their bodies were found days later in some woods off a rural road in Telfair County, and their SUV was discovered submerged in a nearby lake. Police reported that the victims were shot in the head.
The man the couple had been in contact with on Craigslist, Ronnie “Jay” Adrian Towns, a resident of the county, was arrested and charged with their murders.
The case against Towns has experienced many delays, and after nine years, he still has not gone to trial. However, investigators recently received an unexpected development in the case.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) revealed this week that they found "new evidence" in a creek near Towns' residence earlier this month. This evidence includes a rifle and a bag with items that belonged to the couple.
Investigators discovered more evidence at a house close by.
An unknown individual found the items in Horse Creek while engaging in magnet fishing, a hobby where strong magnets are used to find and retrieve metal objects underwater. On April 14, a .22-caliber rifle was discovered, according to the GBI. Just two days later, the same person returned to the area and found a bag containing a cell phone, credit cards, and driver’s licenses belonging to the couple.
Authorities in Telfair County obtained a search warrant for a home and found more evidence, according to the GBI. The specific homeowner was not mentioned, and the evidence will be sent to the crime lab for analysis.
When asked by CNN, the GBI did not share further information. They did not disclose what was found in the home or if the rifle found was similar to the weapon used in the couple's murder.
Ronnie Adrian "Jay" Towns at a court appearance. He is accused of killing the couple in Telfair County, Georgia.
Ronnie Adrian "Jay" Towns at a court appearance. He is accused of killing the couple in Telfair County, Georgia.
Towns, who was 28 years old when the crimes took place, was accused of murder and armed robbery in January 2015. According to then-Telfair County Sheriff Chris Steverson, the suspect had been in contact with Bud Runion before the incident. Despite investigations, the weapon used in the murder was never recovered.
Authorities suspect that the rifle found in the creek may be linked to the suspect, according to Oconee District Attorney Tim Vaughn. The creek is located near his home and close to where the victims were found.
After the initial indictment, Towns pleaded not guilty, as reported by local news station 13WMAZ. CNN has tried to contact his attorneys for a comment, but has not received a response.
CNN has not been able to locate any information about a plea following his re-indictment in 2020.
A man lured them to their deaths by pretending to own a classic car
June and Bud Runion were reported missing when they didn't arrive to babysit their grandchildren, causing concern among their family members.
Authorities found out that the last person the couple had been in contact with was Towns. He had responded to their Craigslist ad for a classic car, even though he didn't actually own the vehicle. Towns had seen their ad and reached out to them to arrange a deal.
Sheriff Chris Steverson stated that all communication with Mr. Runion was misleading. Telfair County deputies conducted air and water searches to locate the couple. They also reached out to local landowners to inquire about any suspicious activity in the area.
The Runions were well-known in their suburban Atlanta neighborhood for their dedication to helping others. Their driveway was always filled with bikes that Mr. Runion fixed up to donate to kids in need. Pastor Mark Walker, the leader of their church in Marietta, Georgia, mentioned that every Christmas, the couple would pack up their SUV and travel to impoverished areas in the Appalachians to distribute gifts to children.
Jason Hoffman places flowers at a makeshift memorial outside the home of Elrey "Bud" and June Runion in January 2015 in Marietta, Goergia.
Jason Hoffman places flowers at a makeshift memorial outside the home of Elrey "Bud" and June Runion in January 2015 in Marietta, Goergia.
David Goldman/AP
Walker described Bud and June as the most generous and loving people he had ever met. He shared a heartwarming story of Bud pressure-washing a big heart with "Bud and June" inside on their last anniversary, showing his love for his wife.
The couple's sudden disappearance captured the attention of the nation, making headlines for weeks.
Ronnie Towns Sr., the father of the suspect, played a crucial role in convincing his son to surrender to authorities before his arrest. According to CNN, he went into the woods where his son was hiding. The elder Towns shared that his son insisted on his innocence, saying, "Daddy, I ain't had nothing to do with this." Ronnie Towns Sr. expressed his belief in his son's innocence, stating, "It ain't Jay. I don't believe he did it."
Towns’ trial is tentatively set for August, the GBI said. The district attorney told CNN he will seek the death penalty.
CNN’s Amanda Musa contributed to this report.
Editor's P/S:
The case of Bud and June Runion's murder is a heartbreaking tale of deception and violence. The couple's desire to reconnect with
