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Larson trial begins in RI County

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By Dustin Lemmon | Thursday, November 09, 2006 |

Joshua K. Larson killed Lemon Horton Jr. in his East Moline home for no apparent reason, prosecutors told jurors during the opening arguments of Larson’s murder trial Wednesday.

Larson, 23, of 2612 17th St., East Moline-Silvis, is charged in Rock Island County Circuit Court with two counts of murder.

Assistant Rock Island County State’s Attorney Peter Ishibashi said Larson struck Horton in the head and then cut the

man’s throat.

Police and firefighters were called to Horton’s home, 1801 27th Ave., about 9 p.m. Jan. 3, after it was found to be on fire. Horton’s body was discovered in his bedroom with a blood trail leading from the garage, Ishibashi said.

The prosecutor said Larson was at his home with some cousins when he announced that he wanted to beat up Horton for no particular reason, but possibly for money. Horton lived around the corner from Larson’s home.

Ishibashi said Larson threatened his 13-year-old cousin to get him to help. The cousin knocked on the door and asked Horton if he could use his phone. After Horton let him inside, Larson rushed in and attacked Horton with a lead pipe, Ishibashi told jurors.

The cousin returned to Larson’s house and, a short time later, Larson came back with blood on his clothes and a lockbox that turned out to be empty, Ishibashi said. Larson then put on some camouflage clothing and returned to Horton’s home, the prosecutor added.

After Larson returned home a second time, the cousins left with their aunt, Ishibashi said, adding that Horton’s home was on fire at that moment. Larson later received a ride to his grandmother’s house and eventually to Burlington, Iowa, where he was arrested.

Ishibashi said prosecutors will present testimony from forensic scientists who studied blood that was found at the scene.

Larson’s defense attorney, David Hoffman, asked jurors to keep an open mind and listen carefully to the evidence.

“I think you’ll see considerable conflict between the witnesses,” he said.

According to the prosecution, he noted, the assault took place in both the house and the back yard, which conflicts with the prosecution’s version of what happened.

“There are some things that are mysterious to me still,” he said. “There are several points in this case you may not be able to come to a conclusion on.”

The trial is expected to last into next week.

Dustin Lemmon can be contacted at (563) 383-2493 or dlemmon@qctimes.com.