Elderly Georgia Couple Still Missing, Police Identify Suspect
An elderly Georgia couple is still missing. However, authorities have identified a suspect in connection with their disappearance. Bud Runion, 69, and June Runion, 66, were last seen on January 22. On Sunday, Authorities in Telfair County identified Ronnie “Jay” Adrian Towns as their primary suspect.
Last week, Bud and June drove to McRae, Georgia, to purchase a 1966 Mustang. Family members said the couple met the seller through a Craigslist advertisement. Although the trip was an estimated 300 miles each way, the Runions planned to return home the same evening.
As discussed on the family’s Facebook page, the elderly Georgia couple never made it back home.
Bud and June were traveling in a champagne colored 2003 GMC Envoy. Their current location is unknown, and their cell phones are forwarding all calls directly to voice mail.
As reported by 13 WMAZ, Bud is Caucasian, with thinning gray hair and blue eyes. He is approximately 5 feet 7 inches tall. June is also Caucasian, with brown hair and green eyes. She is approximately 5 feet 5 inches tall.
Telfair County Sheriff Chris Steverson confirmed two active warrants were issued for the arrest of Ronnie “Jay” Adrian Towns. The suspect is charged with making false statements to investigators and attempting to commit theft by deception.
According to Steverson, cell phone records indicate Towns was the last person to speak with Bud and June Runion. He is now wanted in connection with the elderly Georgia couple’s disappearance.
Authorities describe Towns as a 28-year-old Caucasian male with brown hair. He is approximately 6-feet-tall. Steverson confirmed that the suspect’s current location is unknown. The cell phone, which he used to contact Bud and June Runion, was disposable.
As reported by NBC News, officials are unsure whether the couple made it to McRae. However, local law enforcement set up a temporary post on Highway 117 just outside Jacksonville.
The Runion’s son-in-law, Craig Bishop, said Bud had a passion for classic cars. In fact, he said “one of [Bud’s] first cars… was a ’66 Mustang.” Bishop said the entire situation “is surreal” and the family is hoping for the best.
In another Facebook post, the family thanked everyone for their continued support through this difficult time.
“We continue to receive such an overwhelming response of love and support… We are unbelievably grateful for all of the media support and to each of you for sharing the page. We ask that you please keep sharing the page and spreading the word so we can find Bud and June Runion.”
Although the elderly Georgia couple is still missing, authorities are beginning to piece together what happened on January 22. They are also actively seeking any information about Ronnie “Jay” Adrian Towns or his whereabouts.
