Suspect in Huntington man’s death still at large

Deepa Bharath

The search continues for 59-year-old Tommy McGuire, the man accused

of murdering 23-year-old Matt Large.

Meanwhile, the Larges will have a memorial service for Matt at 10

a.m. Saturday at Harbor Trinity Church in Costa Mesa.

A former Newport Harbor High School champion wrestler, Matt Large

disappeared after moving to Huntington Beach in December 2001, days

before his ultimate fighting debut.

This February, detectives in the Northern California city of

Eureka found Matt Large’s skeletal remains buried in the sand across

the bay from a boat ramp where his truck was found.

Matt’s father, Tony Large, said he and one of his sons visited

Humboldt County last week to “bring Matty back home.”

“We had to wait for anthropological tests to be completed,” he

said.

Tony Large said those attending the memorial should consider

wearing casual attire.

“I’ll be there in my Hawaiian shirt,” he said. “That’s the way

Matt would want it.”

The family said they will offer a $5,000 reward for anyone who can

come forward with information that leads to McGuire’s arrest.

“We don’t know where [McGuire] is,” said Sgt. Gary Meza of the

Huntington Beach Police. “But we’re actively looking for him.”

Officials said they believe McGuire is armed and dangerous. He is

known to frequent Humboldt and Orange counties, they said. He is also

wanted on suspicion of possessing explosives.

Matt Large was last seen in an Orange County apartment occupied by

McGuire and his 21-year-old son, Travis, who was a friend of Large’s,

police said. Travis McGuire reportedly died last year of unknown

medical complications in UCLA Medical Center.

Those with information are asked to call Huntington Beach Police

at (714) 536-5951 or e-mail an anonymous tip or information to

homicide@hbpd.org.

* DEEPA BHARATH covers public safety and courts. She may be

reached at (949) 574-4226 or by e-mail at deepa.bharath@latimes.com.