Press Release: Arrest Made After Altercation in Moss Landing Harbor Results in Death of One Person
DATE/TIME: June 12, 2025 / 11:30 AM
TYPE OF INCIDENT: Arrest Made After Physical Confrontation in Moss Landing Harbor Leads To Death Of Local Fisherman
LOCATION: Moss Landing, Monterey County, California
MEDIA CONTACT: Andres Rosas, Commander; Phone: 831-261-5492; Email: rosasae@countyofmonterey.gov
Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Detectives have arrested 29-year-old Joshua Timothy Holtzclaw for voluntary manslaughter after his involvement in a physical altercation that left another person dead while on the waters of the Moss Landing Harbor.
On June 11th, 2025, shortly before 9:00 AM, Monterey County Sheriff’s Deputies and California State Parks Officers were notified of an incident in which two boats had collided in the Moss Landing Harbor. Witnesses reported seeing one boat operator climbing onto the other’s boat and a physical confrontation occurred. At one point, one subject was reported to have fallen into the water while the other assaulted him with a stick. Witnesses reported one of the involved parties, identified later as Joshua Timothy Holtzclaw, had exited the water with his boat. He was detained by deputies for questioning.
Witnesses reported the second involved person, later identified as 26-year-old Trenten Paul Black of Aptos, had not exited the water and could no longer be seen. Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team, with assistance from the U.S. Coast Guard and a SONAR device, were able to locate and recover his body from the harbor at about 1:20 PM. A forensic examination will take place to determine Black’s cause of death.
Detectives were able to conduct interviews with Holtzclaw and multiple witnesses, including independent witnesses with no relation to either party. Through the statements obtained, it was determined that a collision had occurred between boats being piloted by Holtzclaw and Black. Black boarded Holtzclaw’s boat and a physical altercation ensued between both. Black fell into the water. Witnesses stated it appeared Holtzclaw began striking Black with a stick. Black remained in the water and Holtzclaw left the area. A passing vessel attempted to rescue Black by tossing a life preserver, but they were unsuccessful.
Holtzclaw has been booked into the Monterey County Jail for one count of 192(a) PC, Voluntary Manslaughter. His bail has been set at $200,000.
If you have any information that may be related to this investigation, you are asked to contact Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Detective Josue Ramirez at 831-253-6068. You can remain anonymous when providing information.