Autopsies released on slain Mississippi family

JACKSON, Miss. -- The father of a family found slain in the Mississippi woods was shot to death, and his wife and their 4-year-old son were strangled, according to autopsy results released Wednesday. The findings were made public only hours after relatives of the Hargon family arranged Friday funerals for the three who disappeared from their rural home on Valentine's Day. The bodies of Michael Hargon, his wife, Rebecca, and their 4-year-old son, James Patrick, were found in a wooded area Tuesday night.

The discovery occurred shortly after Michael's cousin, Earnest Lee Hargon, was charged with capital murder.

Michael Hargon, 27, suffered a fatal bullet wound to the head, said Warren Strain, a spokesman for the Mississippi Highway Patrol.

District Attorney James Powell has said Michael Hargon apparently was killed at the family home in Vaughan, about 35 miles north of Jackson, but he was not sure where Rebecca Hargon and her son died.

Spent bullet casings from a .22-caliber weapon were found at the home, but a weapon has not been recovered.

"This tragedy of monumental proportions has had an impact on everyone in Mississippi," Public Safety Commissioner Rusty Fortenberry said. "With the results of these tests -- as horrific as they are and proving our worst fears -- now we may begin the healing process."

Authorities believe Earnest Lee Hargon, a 43-year-old cattle truck driver, acted alone. While no single motive had been put forward, there was speculation that he was angry at being written out of his adoptive father's will that gave Michael Hargon several acres of land in nearby Madison County.

Hargon was charged with three counts of capital murder. Yazoo County District Attorney James Powell has said he would seek the death penalty.

Earnest Lee Hargon, being held without bond, should have an initial hearing on the charges in the next couple of weeks, his court-appointed attorney said.