3 Bodies Found In Texas Pasture Linked to Stonewall Arrest

Deputies, while following leads, discovered three bodies on Saturday behind a barn on Hwy 11, about a mile east of Sherman city limits. 

Crime Scene Investigators processed the scene, and the Justice of the Peace arrived and ordered the bodies to be sent to the Dallas Medical Examiners Office for autopsies.  The bodies are believed to be those of the three family members missing from Fannin County.  At this time, Officials are unable to confirm the identity of the bodies pending autopsy. 

On January 18, 2012, the Fannin County Sheriff's Office received information regarding the possibility that three persons were missing from a residence and that foul play may be involved.

Investigators went to the home in an attempt to contact the residents.  Attempts to make contact with anyone at the residence were unsuccessful.  

Due to information received regarding possible foul play, investigators made entry into the home to check the welfare of the homeowners.  Investigators did not find anyone in the residence, but did notice things which could indicate that foul play was involved in their disappearance. 

Investigators have identified the missing persons as 73-year-old Harold Harpst, 79-year-old Sue Harpst, and Sue's daughter 48-year-old Regina Taunton. 

Due to evidence discovered inside the home, this investigation is being conducted as a homicide investigation. 

The overwhelming evidence led to the issuance of an arrest warrant for 52-year-old Thomas Lloyd Taunton.  Thomas Taunton was arrested for capital murder around 3:00 p.m., January 19th, at Jimmy Granger Ford in Stonewall, Louisiana, when he was having his vehicle serviced.   

Investigators came to Louisiana and obtained search warrants for Taunton's vehicle and trailer.  Additional evidence has been located inside the vehicles. 

Investigators are currently looking for the Harpst's vehicle which is still missing.  The vehicle is Silver in color, 2007 Dodge Caravan with Texas handicap license plate 8CPYH.  The van is equipped with a wheelchair lift on the driver's side and a rack for carrying a wheelchair is on the rear of the van.

Anyone believing that they may have seen the van should contact Fannin County Sheriff's Office at (903)583-2143, or contact their local law enforcement agency.