Man Charged with Manslaughter after Punching Father Outside I-Drive Restaurant

 UPDATE: July 25, 2013

Taylor Harris was transported to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office operation center by Pearl Mississippi Police Lieutenant Thompson today, Thursday, July 25.  He will have his first appearance in court tomorrow, Friday, July 26.

**********************************

A Mississippi man who punched his father to death outside a restaurant on International Drive earlier this month, was arrested today.

21-year-old Taylor Harris, of Rankin County, has been charged with manslaughter in the death of his father, 52-year-old Leonard “Dawyne” Harris, Orange County deputies said.

Taylor got into an altercation with his father Leonard Harris in the parking lot at the Dave and Buster’s restaurant on International Drive, where the family had got to celebrate his 21st birthday on July 7th.  According to news reports, Taylor punched his father in the face after learning that he was having an affair.  Witnesses told deputies that Taylor left the table where the family was eating after seeing text messages on his father’s phone regarding the affair.

The blow knocked Leonard Harris to the ground leaving him unconscious.  He was taken initially to the Orlando Regional Medical Center in critical condition and later transferred to the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

Leonard Harris died earlier today in Mississippi around 10:15 p.m.  An autopsy will be conducted there, deputies said.

Taylor Harris, who was charged with aggravated battery and manslaughter, is expected to be sent back to Orange County to stand trial.