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Authorities confirm deaths of couple and daughter

FANNIN COUNTY - Autopsy results have confirmed the identities of a Leonard family whose bodies were found behind a barn off Highway 11 nearly a week after they had gone missing.

The Fannin County Sheriff’s Office has also received custody of the murder suspect, 52-year-old Thomas Taunton, who was returned from Louisiana Monday night. 

Taunton is charged with the murder of 73-year-old Harold Harpst, his 79-year-old wife Sue, and their 48-year-old daughter Regina Taunton. Reports show each died of gunshot wounds.