Shooting at Harriman Party Leaves Teen Dead
HARRIMAN — A late-night party at a local business spiraled into tragedy early Saturday morning when an 18-year-old was shot and killed, shocking the tight-knit community.
The incident took place around 1:30 a.m. at the popular event space attached to Mr. Clean’s, a small local business that has become a weekend hangout for young people in the area. Witnesses say music was blasting and the crowd was spilling into the parking lot when gunfire suddenly rang out.
According to preliminary reports, the victim — identified as Ethan Howell, 18 — was struck in the head by a single bullet. Partygoers initially scattered in panic, with some ducking behind cars and others sprinting across the street. Several witnesses quickly called 911, but by the time first responders arrived, Ethan was unresponsive. He was later pronounced dead at the scene.
Police have confirmed they are searching for a suspect, identified as Ryan Parker, 19, who was last seen leaving the scene immediately after the shooting. Officers sealed off the area overnight, interviewing witnesses and collecting shell casings from the parking lot. Investigators also reviewed surveillance footage from nearby businesses.
“It’s tragic. He was just a kid,” one shaken attendee told reporters. “Nobody thought it would turn violent. Everyone was just here to have fun.”
Detectives are working to determine what sparked the shooting. Some witnesses claimed an argument broke out shortly before the gunfire, though details remain unclear. Authorities have not yet released an official motive.
By Saturday afternoon, the news had spread throughout Harriman, leaving the community in shock. Friends gathered outside the taped-off parking lot to light candles and leave flowers in memory of Ethan. Parents expressed concern about the safety of local gatherings, while police urged residents to remain calm and report any information.
The Harriman Police Department is treating the case as a homicide and has asked anyone with knowledge of Parker’s whereabouts to come forward.
“This was a senseless act of violence,” Chief Daniels said in a press briefing. “We are committed to bringing justice for Ethan and his family.”
The investigation is ongoing.