Following a judge’s ruling Thursday in a Roane County courtroom, 17-year-old Riley Pawlick—accused of shooting and killing 18-year-old Holden Howse during a party last November at the Mr. Clean Car Wash property in Harriman—will be tried as an adult. The decision transfers Pawlick’s case out of the juvenile justice system, and it will now proceed to review by the grand jury. His bond has been set at $100,000.

Pawlick faces charges of second-degree murder, aggravated assault, and destruction of evidence in connection with the shooting at the Mr. Clean business in Harriman, which resulted in Howse’s death in August 2025. (Note: Some reports reference the incident occurring over Labor Day weekend in August 2025.)

According to investigators, witnesses stated that Pawlick was arguing with an 18-year-old when he pulled out a pistol, loaded it, and struck the teen in the head with it. The gun then discharged, striking Howse. Howse was transported to UT Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

District Attorney General Russell Johnson previously noted that a witness reported seeing Pawlick get into their car after the gunshot to leave the scene. As the vehicle crossed a bridge, Pawlick allegedly threw the gun over the side. Officers later stopped the car for speeding and detained Pawlick, whom they suspected of involvement in the shooting.

Following the judge’s decision, bond conditions were outlined for Pawlick. His mother attended the hearing and assured the court that she would ensure his compliance. If Pawlick posts bond, he must adhere to several restrictions: a curfew, wearing a GPS monitor, no leaving the state, surrendering his passport to authorities, and weekly meetings with a parole officer.

Before issuing the ruling, the court heard testimony from three witnesses, who had also appeared at Pawlick’s earlier detention hearing in September.