BONHAM - The Fannin County Grand Jury has formally charged a Leonard man suspected of murdering three family members in January.
Thomas Taunton was indicted on three counts of capital murder Thursday.
The bodies of 79-year-old Sue Harpst, her husband, 73-year-old Harold Harpst, and his sister, 48-year-old Regina Taunton were found off State Highway 11 in Grayson County, a few days after the three were reported missing. Thomas Taunton was captured after his pickup truck broke down in Louisiana.
Fannin County District Attorney Richard Glaser said the jury acted Thursday to avoid a 90 day deadline that could have allowed for Taunton’s release from custody. Glaser’s office has not yet decided if they’ll pursue the death penalty in the case.