Greg's Corner

Craigslist car ad proves deadly for couple

By Greg Collier

Bud and June Runion were a loving couple, cherished by their family and friends. In January 2015, they set off on what they believed would be an exciting adventure to purchase a 1966 Ford Mustang, a classic car Bud had long admired. They found the vehicle listed for sale on Craigslist and made arrangements to meet the seller in McRae, Georgia.

When the Runions failed to return home or contact their family, concern quickly turned to alarm. Their family reported them missing, igniting a widespread search and a wave of anxiety among those who knew them.

The search came to a tragic end on a few days later, when authorities discovered the bodies of Bud and June Runion in a remote area of Telfair County, Georgia. The couple had been shot to death, their lives cruelly taken in an act of senseless violence.

The investigation swiftly honed in on Ronnie Adrian “Jay” Towns, a local man from McRae. Towns had allegedly posted the fake Craigslist ad intending to lure and rob the couple. When the Runions arrived, Towns led them to an isolated location where he carried out his heinous crime.

Due to legal complications and delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Towns has yet to stand trial.

Recently, a magnet fisher found what may be potential evidence further linking Towns to the crime.

Bud and June Runion’s story is one of love, loss, and a call to action. While their lives were tragically cut short, their legacy lives on as a beacon of awareness and a reminder to always stay cautious in online dealings.

When shopping on online platforms for a used or classic car, safety should be your top priority. Here are several steps to help protect yourself from potential dangers such as robbery or worse. Check the seller’s name, phone number, and email address. Use search engines and social media to see if the information matches. Request detailed information about the car. A legitimate seller should be able to provide this without hesitation.

Schedule meetings during daylight hours when visibility is better and more people are around. Always meet in a public place with high foot traffic, such as a police station, bank parking lot, or a shopping center. While it’s not a guarantee, meeting at a police station significantly discourages criminals from targeting you.

Bring a friend or family member with you. If that’s not possible, inform someone of your whereabouts and the details of your meeting. Provide someone with the seller’s information and the meeting location.

Avoid carrying large sums of cash. Consider using secure payment methods like bank checks or electronic transfers. If a cash payment is necessary, conduct the transaction inside a bank where security measures are in place.

By following these precautions, you can significantly reduce the risk of being robbed or harmed while shopping for a used or classic car online. Always prioritize your personal safety over the potential deal.