Forks Teen Charged with First-Degree Murder

Phillip Z. Cowles, 17, accused of shooting and killing 19-year-old Tristen Pisani after party

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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A 17-year-old Forks resident, Phillip Z. Cowles, has been charged with first-degree murder with a firearm for the shooting death of 19-year-old Tristen Pisani. Cowles allegedly took a handgun from his mother's closet and went to Pisani's home, where he shot and killed Pisani after being called a 'tweaker' and receiving antagonizing texts, according to court documents.

Why it matters

This case highlights the issue of youth violence and the potential consequences of unaddressed mental health concerns. Cowles had reportedly been in counseling for expressing homicidal ideations, raising questions about the availability and effectiveness of mental health resources for young people in the Forks community.

The details

Cowles allegedly admitted to paramedics, doctors, and law enforcement that he shot and killed Pisani after being called a 'tweaker' and receiving antagonizing texts that 'pushed him too far.' Witnesses said Cowles went back to Pisani's home after a party had ended, aimed the gun at Pisani's head, and said 'don't call me a tweaker' before firing the weapon. Cowles told investigators that Pisani told him to 'go ahead, do it,' and that 'the rage overtook' him when he pulled the trigger.

  • On Wednesday, Phillip Z. Cowles was formally charged with first-degree murder with a firearm in Clallam County Juvenile and Family Services.
  • Cowles' arraignment is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on December 13 in Clallam County Superior Court.

The players

Phillip Z. Cowles

A 17-year-old Forks resident who has been charged with first-degree murder with a firearm for the shooting death of Tristen Pisani.

Tristen Pisani

A 19-year-old Forks resident who was shot and killed by Phillip Z. Cowles.

Michele Devlin

The chief criminal deputy prosecuting attorney who attempted to have Cowles shackled before entering the courtroom, citing concerns about his rage.

Harry Gasnick

Cowles' attorney, who argued that since Cowles' arrest he has been a 'model inmate' and that the circumstances that led to his rage on the day of the incident were not present in the courtroom.

Brent Basden

The Superior Court Judge who allowed Cowles to enter the courtroom unshackled, stating that he did not find a risk given the presence of law enforcement.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.