New Evidence Discovered in 2015 Georgia Couple Murder Case

A magnet fisherman in Georgia has uncovered new evidence related to the 2015 murder case of an elderly couple, Bud and June Runion. The fisherman first pulled a.22-caliber rifle from Horse Creek, a tributary of the Ocmulgee River in the town of McRae-Helena. This is the same type of weapon that was used in the Runions' murders.

The next day, the fisherman found a cellphone, the Runions' credit cards, and their driver's licenses in the creek. These items are now being entered as key evidence against the suspect, Ronnie Adrian 'Jay' Towns, who was previously arrested and indicted for the murders.

The Runions disappeared in January 2015 after driving from their home in Marietta, Georgia to Telfair County to meet someone who had responded to an ad Bud Runion placed on Craigslist seeking a 1966 Ford Mustang. Their bodies were discovered four days later in a wooded area. Both had been shot in the head with a.22-caliber gun.

Towns turned himself in to authorities the same day the bodies were found. He was initially charged with malice murder and armed robbery in 2015, but the case was thrown out in 2019 due to complications with jury selection. Towns was charged again in 2020 and pleaded not guilty.

Why this matters: The discovery of the rifle and other evidence by the magnet fisherman is a significant development that could strengthen the case against Towns as prosecutors prepare for his trial. The murder of the Runions shocked their community and garnered national attention, highlighting the potential risks of online transactions with strangers.

Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty against Towns and are preparing for his trial to begin as soon as August, although a specific date has not been set. "The.22-caliber rifle is the same model as the gun that killed Bud and June Runion," said District Attorney Tim Vaughn. The discovery of additional evidence in the court case at a home in Telfair County has also led to further investigation and search warrants being executed.

Key Takeaways

• Magnet fisherman found murder evidence in Georgia creek
• Evidence includes .22-caliber rifle, Runions' credit cards, and phones
• Ronnie Adrian 'Jay' Towns charged with Runions' 2015 murders
• Discovery strengthens case as prosecutors seek death penalty
• Runions' murder highlighted risks of online transactions with strangers