Ronnie Jay Towns of Georgia has been sentenced to life in prison without parole in connection to the deaths of Elrey “Bud” Runion and June Runion, a couple who went missing in 2015 after traveling to Telfair County to buy a vintage car. Their remains were found in January of the same year, with both having been shot in the head. Towns, who was 28 at the time, had lured the couple to the area through a Craigslist ad. The case against Towns had several delays due to procedural issues and the prosecution seeking the death penalty. New evidence was found in the case in April 2021, including a .22 caliber rifle and the Runions’ personal belongings, leading to a trial set for August 2024. The Telfair County Sheriff’s Office expressed gratitude for having closure in the case and extended prayers to both families. Towns’ defense attorney, Franklin Hogue, indicated that the trial proceedings had been delayed as prosecutors sought the death penalty. The case highlights the dangers of online interactions and the importance of caution when meeting strangers for transactions.
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Ronnie Towns handed life sentence for murder of Georgia couple during car purchase
