MOSS LANDING - Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced Wednesday that no charges will be filed in the death of a 26-year-old Aptos man who drowned after a confrontation on the water at Moss Landing Harbor on June 11.
According to the Monterey County District Attorney's Office, the investigation focused on the actions of Joshua Holtzclaw, who was fishing from his stationary boat in Monterey Bay that morning. Just before 8:30 a.m., Trenton Black arrived from Santa Cruz and approached the area where Holtzclaw was fishing. Fishermen nearby witnessed Black circle Holtzclaw's boat at close range before heading north toward the harbor. Witnesses said the two men exchanged words, though no one could hear what was said.
Holtzclaw followed Black into the channel. A harbor camera more than 200 yards away recorded Holtzclaw's boat striking the back of Black's boat. Investigators later found damage on both vessels consistent with a collision.
Black then left his boat and climbed aboard Holtzclaw’s vessel, where a fight broke out. Witnesses on both sides of the channel, about 150 yards wide at that point, reported that Black appeared to be dominating the fight. One witness said Black was “beating the (explicit) out of the other guy,” with Holtzclaw on the bottom of the boat as Black delivered blows and held him in a headlock.
Both men fell into the water during the struggle. Holtzclaw managed to get back onto his boat and swung an oar or pole toward Black. A commercial fishing vessel arrived shortly after. Crew members saw Holtzclaw using a paddle to move his boat away, and they noticed Black’s boat had drifted against the rocks.
Crew members reported seeing Black in the water calling for help. When asked what happened, Holtzclaw said, “He tried to kill me.” Before the crew could reach him with a life ring, Black went under and did not resurface. Holtzclaw then started his boat’s motor and left the area.
The autopsy determined Black died from asphyxia due to drowning.
According to the district attorney, the evidence supports that Holtzclaw may have acted in self-defense. California law allows a person to use force if they reasonably believe it is necessary to prevent imminent harm, and they are not required to retreat. A person may also pursue an assailant until the danger has passed. The Monterey County District Attorney’s Office noted there is generally no legal duty to rescue someone in peril, even if the situation arose from lawful acts of self-defense.
Pacioni said the evidence does not meet the legal standard for criminal charges.