MARIETTA — A Cobb County couple reported missing have been found in Telfair County, victims of an apparent murder.

Bud Runion, 69, and his wife, June, 66, left Marietta Thursday morning to look at an antique car they thought was for sale.  After not hearing from them for some time they were reported missing by their three daughters.  The car sale may have been a ruse to rob the elderly couple and may have resulted in a double murder.

The couple’s bodies were found near McRae and investigators believe the car sale may have been a scheme to rob the couple, who drove over 200 miles from Marietta believing they were looking at an antique Ford Mustang that was for sale.

The car was posted on Craigslist and the Runions were interested in purchasing it and driving it back home.

A report filed in the Atlanta Journal Constitution states investigators determined where the Runions were based on cellphone records.  That lead authorities to Ronnie Adrian “Jay” Towns, 28, the last person recorded as speaking with the Runions.  Once police interviewed Towns and realized his story did not prove valid, they arrested him for giving false statements and criminal attempt to commit theft by deception related to the Runion case.

When Towns surrendered to authorities, he was accompanied by family members.  Towns has “little to no” criminal record, according to the report.  However, authorities state Towns is the prime suspect in the couple’s death and charges could be upgraded depending on the findings of the investigation.

The couple’s vehicle, a 2003 GMC Envoy, was discovered submerged in water, nearby where later the bodies were found.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation and Cobb County Police are working with the Telfair County Sheriff’s Office in the investigation.