A magnet fisher in Georgia recently discovered new evidence related to a murder case while fishing for metal objects in a creek. The discovery included a .22-caliber rifle along with driver’s licenses and credit cards belonging to a couple who were found slain in the area over nine years ago. Bud and June Runion were robbed and fatally shot before their bodies were discovered in Telfair County in January 2015. The couple had driven from Marietta to Telfair County to meet someone who was supposedly selling a classic car, but they were lured there under false pretenses.
The suspect, Ronnie Adrian “Jay” Towns, was eventually arrested and charged with armed robbery and murder, though the case has faced delays due to various legal issues. Towns has pled not guilty and court proceedings have been further complicated by the prosecution’s decision to seek the death penalty. The recent discovery of the rifle and personal items in the creek has provided additional evidence for the case, potentially strengthening the prosecution’s argument. Investigators are still working to determine if the rifle found is the same weapon used in the murder of the Runions.
In addition to this case, magnet fishers in other locations have also made surprising discoveries while searching for metal objects in rivers and canals. In Massachusetts, unexploded ordnance was pulled out of the Charles River, prompting the assistance of the Bomb Squad for a safe detonation. In Florida, a man and his grandson found two 50-caliber sniper rifles during a magnet fishing trip in a canal. Similar discoveries have been reported in New Jersey and Michigan, where magnet fishers have found guns, explosives, motorcycles, and various artifacts dating back to World War II.
Overall, magnet fishing can lead to unexpected finds and sometimes even assist in ongoing investigations or provide new evidence in criminal cases. The recent discovery in Georgia has already proven useful in a murder case that has been ongoing for several years. As technology and techniques for magnet fishing continue to develop, it is likely that more surprising discoveries will be made in bodies of water across the country. The role of magnet fishers in uncovering lost or hidden items adds an interesting twist to recreational activities and can have significant implications in legal proceedings and historical research.
