Family of man seeks answers in drowning case at Moss Landing
By Felix Cortez
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MOSS LANDING, California (KSBW) — The family of Trenten Black, who drowned following a fight with another fisherman in Moss Landing Harbor, is speaking out nearly four months after the incident, as prosecutors search for a missing cell phone that could be a key piece of evidence.
“I want the truth, that’s all I want is the truth, and I want justice to be served,” Black’s sister, Jaden Clark.
The altercation occurred in June between Black and Joshua Holtzclaw, who allegedly rammed Black’s boat.
Black then jumped onto Holtzclaw’s boat, leading to a fight where Black fell into the water and was allegedly struck with an oar by Holtzclaw before going underwater. Holtzclaw was arrested for voluntary manslaughter but has not been charged.
“Help us find the truth, it matters even if it isn’t what I want to hear. I don’t think all the information is out there, and it needs to be,” Clark said.
Prosecutors are still determining whether the case involves criminal activity or self-defense. They are seeking information from anyone who may have spoken to Holtzclaw after the incident.
“People may have talked to, for example, Mr. Holtzclaw after the fact, and he may have told them things that we don’t know,” said chief assistant prosecutor Berkley Brannon
Tuesday, prosecutors said they are missing a key piece of evidence, a cell phone belonging to Black that was seen on his boat but then went missing when the boat was left unattended.
“The contents of those communications could be very important, there could be threats, there could be evidence of planning, there could be any number of things on the phone, and we’d sure like to have that information before we make a filing decision,” Brannon said.
Investigators acknowledge a longstanding feud between the two fishermen but are seeking more information to understand the full picture. Black’s family is urging anyone with knowledge about the two men to contact investigators.
“And we can get information big or small, even if you don’t feel like it matters, it does, and we just need information,” Black’s sister said.
Prosecutors have issued a search warrant to obtain the phone’s contents from the carrier. Anyone with information regarding the case is encouraged to contact investigators John Magana or Sabrina Currier at the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office by calling 831-755-5070. You can choose to remain anonymous.
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