Authorities said Riley Pawlick fled a Knoxville traffic stop while out on bond.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — A teen accused in a deadly Roane County shooting faces new charges after authorities said he fled from a Knoxville officer, crashed into another car and was arrested at a nearby apartment complex.
Riley Pawlick, 17, is charged in the death of Holden Howse, 18, who was shot during a party in Harriman. The Knox County arrest happened while Pawlick was on bond in the murder case, adding fresh scrutiny to a prosecution that also involves several other defendants.
The latest case began Saturday night on Interstate 40 near West Hills. An officer stopped Pawlick about 10:30 p.m. and reported the smell of marijuana coming from the car. According to the arrest report, Pawlick said he was on bond for second-degree murder and admitted he had smoked in the vehicle earlier.
The report said Pawlick agreed to let the officer search the car, then drove off when he was asked to get out. Police said he left the interstate at the West Hills exit and hit another vehicle while trying to get away. Officers later located him at an apartment on Gleason Drive. He was charged with evading arrest and reckless endangerment.
The murder case dates to Labor Day weekend, when police responded to reports of a shooting connected to a party at a garage behind a Domino’s Pizza in Harriman. Authorities have said the party was held at the Mr. Clean business. Howse and another person, Terre Lee, were taken to Roane County Medical Center. Howse died at the hospital.
Court records said witnesses told investigators that Pawlick and Lee argued before the shooting. Witnesses said Pawlick pulled out a handgun, loaded it and struck Lee with it before the gun fired. Lee later told police he heard a gunshot after Pawlick pointed the weapon at him and then saw Howse on the ground.
Investigators said another person left the party with Pawlick in a black Ford Focus. During the drive, Pawlick threw a handgun off a bridge, according to court records. The gun was described as having an extended magazine, a light and rubber bands on the handle. The shooting investigation has remained active as the case moves through court.
Howse’s mother, Lynn La Vita, said she was frustrated after learning of the Knoxville arrest. “The system failed,” La Vita said, adding that she believed Pawlick should not have been released before the new charges were filed.
Other defendants are also awaiting court action. James Brian Frost, Bradley Frost and Tony Williams face charges connected to the aftermath of the shooting, with hearings and trials scheduled across 2026 and 2027. Pawlick’s next steps now include both the Roane County murder case and the new Knox County charges.
Author note: Last updated June 17, 2026.