A 16-year-old boy from Erda, Utah, is facing adult murder charges after police say he played a central role in the fatal shooting of a man during a drug deal gone wrong in Sandy earlier this month.

Matthew Lee Bowman, 16, was charged in 3rd District Court on Wednesday with multiple felonies, including murder and aggravated robbery. Prosecutors say Bowman helped orchestrate a robbery that led to the death of 39-year-old Josh Pectol, who was accompanying his teenage son during what was supposed to be a THC cartridge sale.

A Deadly Exchange at Main Street Park

The shooting took place on October 13 at Main Street Park (70 E. 8760 South) in Sandy. Witnesses reported hearing gunfire after an SUV pulled up near the park restrooms.

Pectol was shot and later died at a nearby hospital. His 14-year-old son — who was unharmed — told police he had arranged to sell 15 THC cartridges for $370 through social media, but grew suspicious after the buyer used the phrase “we’ll” instead of “I,” suggesting more people were involved.

When the SUV arrived, the teen approached and saw men wearing ski masks inside. One allegedly pointed a handgun equipped with a green laser at him and demanded his backpack.

That’s when Pectol, who was hiding nearby, intervened. “Nah, we’re not going to do this,” he reportedly told the masked men before racking his own firearm. Seconds later, two shots rang out from inside the vehicle. The teen ran — only to turn and see his father collapse.

A Trail of Evidence

Police later discovered a vehicle matching the suspect description parked outside a residence. Inside, officers found a shell casing and surveillance footage showing three masked males returning home. One could be heard saying, “We’re good, we’ll make it home.”

Investigators traced the social media account used to set up the drug deal to Bowman. A search of his home uncovered a handgun, ski mask, and empty ammunition box.

Bowman told police that he acted only as the driver, claiming the two other teens planned the robbery. However, prosecutors say evidence shows he played a “major role” in planning and facilitating the crime.

One of the other teens allegedly told police, “I just wanted to rob a person … I pulled up and I just shot — why not?” Police say that teen fired three shots, two of which struck Pectol.

Serious Adult Charges

Bowman now faces:

• Murder and aggravated robbery (first-degree felonies)
• Obstruction of justice, theft by receiving stolen property, and shooting causing injury (second-degree felonies)
• Discharge of a firearm and possession of a handgun by a minor (third-degree felonies)

Authorities say all three suspects had firearms in their bedrooms when search warrants were executed.

A Tragic Case of Youth and Violence

Sandy police say the case underscores the dangers of social media drug transactions and the growing trend of teen-involved violent crimes.

“This was a senseless tragedy that took a father from his family and exposed how quickly bad decisions can turn deadly,” said one investigator familiar with the case.

As of Wednesday night, charges for the two other teens had not been announced.