Georgia Man Lured Elderly Couple with Craigslist Ad Before Killing Them, He Admits
Mar. 15, 2025June and Bud Runion.Photo:budandjunerunion/Facebook
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budandjunerunion/Facebook
A Georgia man has admitted to killing an elderly couple after luring them through Craigslist about a car nearly a decade ago.
Bud and June Runion were found fatally shot on a road in Telfair County, Ga., more than three hours from their home in Cobbs County, in January 2015, police said at the time.
Ronnie Adrian “Jay” Towns admitted to killing them and pleaded guilty to two charges of murder during a court hearing on Monday, Nov. 18,Atlanta News First,13 WMAZandWGXAreported among other outlets.
Telfair County Sheriff Sim Davidson also announced Towns’ plea in aFacebookpost on Monday.
AP Photo/Courtesy of the Cobb County Police Department
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Towns had been in contact with the couple through Craigslist over an ad for a 1966 Ford Mustang, per WGXA, 13 WMAZ and Atlanta News First.
An armed forces veteran, Bud was seeking a Ford similar to the one he had after he returned from Vietnam, according to his daughter Brittany Patterson,11 Alivereported. He had purchased the car while he was still in the Army, she noted.
“He was a Vietnam Vet, drafted to serve overseas. He just wanted to find that car again and enjoy life now retired,” she said.
Bud and June Runion.budandjunerunion/Facebook
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The couple started a ministry in 1991 and dedicated their lives to giving back to the community. This included helping families pay grocery and utility bills as well as delivering bicycles to kids in low-income housing on Christmas Eve, Patterson said, per 11 Alive.
The fight for justice in their killing has been drawn out, including an instance ofthe original indictment being thrownout due to issues with jury selection.
The case took a dramatic turn in April when a magnet fisher recovered what prosecutors said wascrucial evidence such as a gunand a bag with the couple’s belongings, theGeorgia Bureau of Investigationsaid at the time.
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Towns has been sentenced to two life sentences without parole, to be served concurrently, 41 NBC and 13 WMAZ reported, citing Davidson’s announcement and court proceedings, respectively.
“With relieved hearts, we wanted to share the latest news. We pray their legacy of faith and generosity lives on,” read the post.
source: people.com
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