Mississippi Department of Public Safety announces death of former commissioner David Huggins

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety announced the death of former DPS Commissioner and Chief of the Mississippi Highway Patrol David Huggins on Friday. Huggins died at the age of 74.

In a statement released on Friday, the agency stated, “One of the first homicides he helped investigate, was the infamous case of McNairy County Tennessee Sheriff Buford Pusser’s wife, who was killed in August of 1964. From there, he went on to become a State Trooper and graduated from Cadet Class 27 in 1969, and was assigned to Tunica, Mississippi.”

David Huggins began his career in the early 1960s with the Alcorn Sheriff’s Department. One of his first homicides included the case of McNairy County Tennessee Sheriff Buford Pusser’s wife, who was killed in
August of 1967.

After serving with the Alcorn Sheriff’s Department, he became a state trooper, graduating in 1969 from Cadet Class 27 and was assigned to serve in Tunica.

Huggins served as the Chief of the Mississippi Highway Patrol from 1988 – 1992. He was named as Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety in 2000 and served until 2004.

From 2004 – 2008, Huggins served as Sergeant at Arms for the Mississippi State Senate until 2008 until he began his role as Chief Investigator at the State Auditor’s Office.

“Commissioner Huggins was a visionary, mentor, and friend,” said Colonel Randy Ginn. “We will not forget his legacy and the impact he has made on the lives of the men and women of this agency.”

“We send our thoughts and prayers to Commissioner Huggins’ family and friends,” said Commissioner Sean Tindell. “Huggins leaves a great legacy and served a historic role within the Department of Public Safety, Mississippi Highway Patrol, and the State of Mississippi. He will be greatly missed.”