A Georgia man has pleaded guilty to the 2015 killings of an elderly couple, Bud and June Runion, whom he lured through a Craigslist ad about a vintage Ford Mustang.
Ronnie Adrian “Jay” Towns, 35, admitted to murdering the couple and was sentenced to two consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole, according to authorities.
The tragic deaths of Bud and June Runion, who had been married for decades, occurred in January 2015.
The couple, both in their 60s, were found fatally shot on a road in Telfair County, Georgia, more than three hours from their home in Cobb County.
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They had been in contact with Towns regarding a 1966 Ford Mustang that Bud, a Vietnam War veteran, had been seeking to replace.
Bud had fond memories of the car from his time in the military and hoped to find one to enjoy in his retirement.
The couple’s deaths remained unsolved for years, with the case taking a dramatic turn when a “magnet fisher” uncovered key evidence in April 2024, including a gun and a bag containing the Runions’ belongings.
Towns was arrested shortly after the killings and charged with murder and armed robbery.
Bud and June were known for their deep faith and generosity, dedicating their lives to helping others through a ministry they started in 1991.
Their daughter, Brittany Patterson, shared that they had been active in their community, helping families with bills and delivering bicycles to children during Christmas.
Their deaths sparked a long fight for justice, which concluded with Towns’ guilty plea.
Following the sentencing, a Facebook page dedicated to the Runions shared a message of relief, expressing hope that their legacy of kindness and faith would endure.
