Naman Shrestha
In the episode titled ‘The Rx Defense’ of CBS’ ’48 Hours,’ the primary focus is on the untimely and tragic death of 18-year-old Ethan Riley in his friend Connor Hilton’s home in December 2023. Alongside him, his friend, Benjamin “Ben” Bliek, was also shot in the head. Both of them were attacked by Connor. The documentary also delves deep into the ramifications that the shooting incident had on Ben, who miraculously survived the ordeal.
Benjamin “Ben” Bliek Survived a Gunshot to His Head in 2023
The beloved son of Shannon Bliek and older brother of two sisters, Jenna and Samantha, Benjamin “Ben” Bliek had a group of friends he hung out with regularly, including Ethan Riley and Connor Hilton. A couple of days before Christmas, on December 23, 2023, Connor invited his friends, including Ben and Ethan, over to his house in the 1800 block of La Salle Street in Friendswood, Texas, to show off the new gun his mother had purchased for him. During the visit, Connor later shot Ben and Ethan in the head, while another friend called the police from the bathroom around 11 pm.
When the authorities reached the crime scene, Ben and Ethan were rushed to the hospital for the treatment of their injuries. While Ethan passed away the following day, Ben survived the ordeal but spent two weeks in the ICU as he suffered a traumatic brain injury. Connor told the investigators that neither Ben nor Ethan did anything to provoke him to shoot them. The shooter was then charged with murder and aggravated assault causing serious bodily injury, in connection with the death of Ethan and the critical injuries of Ben.
Benjamin “Ben” Bliek is on the Path to Recovery Through Sports
Before his trial, Connor Hilton pleaded guilty to the charges against him during a pre-trial hearing in early September 2025. According to reports, the plea deal was approved by Ben and Ethan Riley’s family. The Police Chief of Friendswood stated, “This resolution spares the surviving victim and witnesses from the painful ordeal of a lengthy trial, while ensuring accountability has been secured. Justice has been delivered, but this case remains a solemn reminder that in tragedies such as this, there are no true winners. One family must endure the unspeakable loss of a child. Another family faces a long and difficult road to recovery. And our Friendswood community has suffered with innocence lost, friendships broken, and lives forever changed.”
After he admitted to his involvement in the crimes, Connor began crying. Meanwhile, Ben took the stand and addressed him directly, stating, “First of all, stop sniveling, stop crying, you did this to yourself. Secondly, for the grief you have caused the Rileys and my only family, I will never forgive you.” Ultimately, Connor was sentenced to 50 years and 20 years in prison for the murder and aggravated assault convictions, respectively. After he got out of the ICU, Ben was reportedly transferred to TIRR Memorial Hermann in the Texas Medical Center for his rehabilitation.
The Friendswood resident could only use hand signals to communicate after the surgery and needed physiotherapy to be able to walk and talk normally again. Since he used to play baseball and basketball before his injuries, the doctors added pickleball to his rehabilitation program. Since then, the sport has been an integral part of his recovery, as his balance, coordination, and flexibility have been improving with each passing day. Through it all, his mother and sisters have been a constant source of support and love.
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