Fisherman Found Dead After a Dispute on the Water

“A collision had occurred between boats being piloted by Holtzclaw and Black. Black boarded Holtzclaw’s boat & a physical altercation ensued between both,” wrote a spokesperson for the Sheriff’s office. “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.”

The Sheriff’s Office Dive Team, with assistance from the U.S. Coast Guard, later located Black’s deceased body in the harbor that afternoon. The 26-year-old’s official cause of death was not immediately apparent, and a forensic examination will take place.

On June 12, the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office announced their first charges in the investigation, which they say, remains ongoing. Holtzclaw was booked for one count of voluntary manslaughter, and his bail was set at $200,000. He faces up to 11 years in California state prison. It’s not yet clear if Holtzclaw will face additional charges in the incident.

The tragic incident comes as other heated confrontations between fishermen have garnered national attention in recent months, particularly a video that showed a Florida charter captain boarding another angler’s boat and threatening him with violence. In that instance, Brock Horner was charged with burglary with assault or battery.

Feature image via KSBW TV Action News 8 Facebook.