GBI collects potential evidence in Runion case

MCRAE, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Eastman GBI investigators collected several pieces of potential evidence in the Bud and June Runion murder case.

Eve Rogers with the Eastman GBI office tells 41NBC, investigators ran a large scale search at the Telfair County landfill and the property of Ronnie Towns last week. 

Rogers says investigators collected several pieces of potential evidence, including guns and what they believe are the personal belongings of the Runions. The items were sent to the GBI crime lab in Atlanta for testing.

Telfair County Sheriff Chris Steverson said 69-year-old Elrey “Bud” Runion and his 66-year-old wife, June, were shot to death last month. Authorities charged 28-year-old Ronnie Adrian “Jay” Towns of McRae with malice murder and armed robbery.

Towns was initially charged with giving false statements and criminal attempt to commit theft by deception.

Authorities have said Bud Runion posted a Craigslist ad seeking a classic car and traveled to Telfair County with his wife to meet the potential seller. The two were reported missing. Their SUV and bodies were found last Monday.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.