A jury in Polk County, Florida, has convicted Shaun Runyon, 44, of three counts of first-degree murder following a brutal workplace rampage in October 2021. Runyon, an electrician, used a baseball bat and a knife to kill three co-workers, including his supervisor, in an attack described by law enforcement as a "cold-blooded, calculated" act of violence. The verdict brings a tragic end to a case that shocked the local community and highlighted the devastating impact of workplace disputes turning lethal.
Background
The crimes occurred while Runyon and his colleagues were working on a contract job for Publix supermarket company for J&B Electric, a Pennsylvania-based firm owned by Runyon’s half-brother. The incident began during the early morning hours of Oct. 2, 2021, when Runyon and his supervisor, 41-year-old Kevin Lanusse, got into a scuffle over a workplace incident. After punching Lanusse, Runyon left the worksite in a rage but returned hours later with a plan to kill.
Runyon drove approximately 70 miles to Tampa International Airport, where he abandoned his work vehicle. He then rented a car and stopped at a nearby Target store, where he purchased a baseball bat. A knife was already in his possession. He returned to a house rented by the company where seven people were staying, entering through the back door and adjusting a security camera that had captured him, according to an arrest affidavit.
The Charges
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd described Runyon as a "murdering beast" who planned the attack in great detail. The defendant attacked four of the seven residents in the house. The first victim, 41-year-old Gregory Dolezal, was beaten to death while sleeping. The second victim, supervisor Kevin Lanusse, was hospitalized but died later that same day. The third victim, 46-year-old Dewlon "Dew" Donell, was found dead on the front porch.
Runyon was convicted of three counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted second-degree murder. A fourth victim was attacked with the bat but survived. A family of three, including a then-7-year-old child, escaped unharmed. In his confession, Runyon told deputies he beat Lanusse "until he saw brain matter," and stated his intent was to kill all three victims.
Key Takeaways
- Shaun Runyon was convicted of three counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted second-degree murder.
- The victims were identified as Kevin Lanusse, Dewlon "Dew" Donell, and Gregory Dolezal.
- Runyon purchased a baseball bat at a Target store after leaving the initial workplace dispute.
- Sheriff Grady Judd labeled the attack "cold-blooded" and "calculated."
- A fourth victim survived the attack, while a family of three escaped unharmed.
What's Next
With the guilty verdict delivered, the trial moves to the sentencing phase, which is scheduled to begin on Sept. 16. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for Runyon, a move that could prolong the legal proceedings. The community continues to grapple with the loss of three men who were simply doing their jobs when their colleague returned with a weapon and a plan for revenge.