Local Joseph Quinten Holtsberry dies after receiving significant head injuries

Nov. 9, 2022 - The Florence Police Department is reporting a homicide occurred on Monday, Nov. 7, after officers responded to a report of a possible dispute on Hemlock Street. 

Upon arrival, officers discovered Florence resident Joseph Quinten Holtsberry, 27, lying in the front yard of the residence as a subject ran into the house. Holtsberry, who was unconscious but breathing, was suffering from a significant head injury.  

Lane County Sheriff deputies and Oregon State Police troopers responded to assist, securing the area as Western Lane Fire and EMS Authority was able to respond and attend to the victim and transport him out of the area.  

After a search of the home and immediate area, officers were able to locate the suspect, Florence resident James Pouwel Veenstra, 50, hiding in a brush area near the residence.  

While Holtsberry was being life flighted to RiverBend Hospital in Springfield, he passed away in transport.  

After investigation, Veenstra was arrested for the murder of Holtsberry and later transported to Lane County Adult Corrections. Oregon State Police crime lab personnel responded and processed the scene.