Craigslist Seller In Custody After Car-Buying Couple Vanishes

Heartbreaking words from the daughter of a loving couple who went off to buy a car, and never came back.

She said, “It’s like a nightmare.”

Bud Runion of Marietta, Georgia, posted an ad on Craigslist saying he wanted to buy a 1966 Mustang. He and his wife, June, drove 180 miles to the town of McRae to pick it up from someone who responded to the ad.

When the Runion’s didn't come home in time to babysit their grandchildren, daughters Virginia and Stephanie reported them missing.

Stephanie told INSIDE EDITION, "He was telling me about the car he was going to go look at. He was very excited. It was supposed to be a day trip, they were going to come right back home." That was last Thursday.

Ronnie Towns became the focus of the investigation. Police say he turned himself in on Monday. Cops say the Runion's last call was to a phone belonging to Towns.

Authorities say the disappearance of the Runion’s underlines the need for caution when shopping on Craigslist.

Harry Houck runs a private investigation company, and has this advice for Craigslist consumers.

He told INSIDE EDITION, "You should be leery of Craigslist. You don't know who you're talking to. First thing is you should verify who you are buying these products from, have them call you a couple times, perhaps have them send you a photograph of themselves next to the product. Number 2; don't bring cash. You can always make an ATM withdrawal. Three, meet in a public place where there are plenty of people around."

Meanwhile, a Facebook page is urging the public to "Find Bud And Jane Runion” whose names have been drawn into a giant heart in the family driveway.

Stephanie said, "They are the sweetest, kindest people. I just want them to come home."