‘Cowboy’ dies; accused attacker charged with murder

Jason “Cowboy” Huggins died Wednesday morning, July 6. Joshua Larson, who was arrested June 24 for allegedly bludgeoning Huggins with a rock in a Hillcrest canyon, is now being charged with murder.

Huggins, 31, was struck June 22 in a Hillcrest canyon; he later flagged down a motorist at 6:15 p.m. and was taken to a local hospital. He died July 6 about 4:30 a.m. at Scripps Mercy Hospital, according to the County Medical Examiner’s Office.

Larson, 37, pleaded not guilty to murder in court July 6, plus assault with a deadly weapon upon a second victim during the June 22 incidents. Both victims were struck in the head with rocks. The second victim was treated and released; his identity was not available.

Judge David Scumowsky set bail at $1 million.

Huggins and Larson have been in court together before. In 2009, Larson was charged with possession of marijuana for sale and grand theft. A court record says Huggins testified in that case. The entire court file wasn’t immediately available, but Larson was convicted of an unknown charge.

As part of his probation, Larson was ordered to have no further contact with Huggins. He violated that condition in January, according to court documents.

Huggins was popular in the LGBT community. His friends called him “Cowboy” because he always wore his trademark cowboy hat, boots and big belt buckle.

Justin Newman and other friends are accepting donations for help to offset travel expenses for Huggins’ family and funeral costs. Contact Newman at jnrepairs@gmail.com or 619-800-2105. Future fund- raisers are also being planned.

Additional reporting by Jonathan Young, San Diego LGBT Weekly.

UPDATE: Funeral plans have been announced.