Magnet Fisher Uncovers Key Evidence in 9-Year-Old Craigslist Murder Case

In a stunning development, a magnet fisherman in Telfair County, Georgia has discovered vital evidence related to the 2015 murders of Elrey "Bud" Runion, 69, and his wife June Runion, 66. The elderly couple was allegedly lured to their deaths after responding to a Craigslist ad for a vintage 1966 Ford Mustang.

Earlier this month, the unidentified fisherman pulled a.22-caliber rifle from Horse Creek, a tributary of the Ocmulgee River. Authorities quickly recognized the firearm as the same type of weapon used in the Runions' murders. The following day, the fisherman also recovered the couple's cellphone, credit cards, and driver's licenses from the creek.

Ronnie Adrian "Jay" Towns, the primary suspect in the case, was initially charged with malice murder and armed robbery in 2015. However, the original indictment was thrown out in 2019 due to complications with the grand jury selection process. Towns was charged again in 2020 and has pleaded not guilty to the crimes.

The discovery of the new evidence has breathed new life into the case, which has been delayed for nearly a decade. Prosecutors, who are seeking the death penalty against Towns, are now preparing for a trial tentatively scheduled to begin in August 2024.

Why this matters: The Craigslist murders sent shockwaves through the community and highlighted the potential dangers of online transactions with strangers. The case's resolution could bring long-awaited closure to the Runions' family and serve as a reminder of the importance of exercising caution when conducting business online.

In light of the new evidence, investigators executed two search warrants at a home in McRae-Helena, where Towns resided prior to his arrest. Additional evidence was recovered during the search, though details have not been released. As the trial approaches, authorities are urging anyone with information related to the case to come forward. "We've been waiting for a long time for justice to be served," said a spokesperson for the Runions' family.

Key Takeaways

• Magnet fisherman found key evidence in 2015 Craigslist murders of elderly couple.
• Recovered .22-caliber rifle, couple's cellphone, credit cards, and IDs from creek.
• Primary suspect Ronnie Adrian "Jay" Towns charged again in 2020, pleaded not guilty.
• New evidence breathes new life into case, trial tentatively scheduled for August 2024.
• Case highlights dangers of online transactions, family seeks long-awaited justice.