Suvechha Sarkar
On the night of December 23, 2023, the quiet stretch of La Salle Street in Friendswood, Texas, was forever changed when Ethan Matthew Riley and Benjamin Bliek, AKA Ben, were shot. Although Ben fortunately survived the attack, Ethan sadly passed away the following day. It didn’t take officials long to connect the crime with Ethan and Ben’s friend, 17-year-old Connor Lynn Hilton, who was responsible for the attacks. CBS’ ’48 Hours: The Rx Defense’ delves deeper into the details of this case and the confession that helped investigators understand the circumstances of the fateful day. It also features interviews with Ben, his mother, and the officials who worked tirelessly to help serve justice.
Connor Hilton Was Linked to the Shooting Following His Confession
Connor Lynn Hilton was born sometime around 2006 to Johnece and Neal Hilton. By 2023, he was residing at the 1800 block of La Salle Street in Friendswood, Texas. On December 23, 2023, Connor’s name came under the spotlight when authorities arrived at his home after receiving a 911 call. They reportedly discovered that two of his friends, Ethan Matthew Riley and Benjamin Bliek, AKA Ben, were shot inside the residence, while a third person who was also present at the scene had alerted the authorities. According to reports, Connor was found sitting outside his home in a seemingly distraught condition when detectives rushed to the scene. Court records specify that when he was asked if anyone was hurt, he had nodded and indicated that two people were injured.
Ethan and Ben were both rushed to the hospital in critical condition, but unfortunately, Ethan succumbed to his injuries on December 24, 2023. As per official records, investigators discovered a murder weapon inside Connor’s home, which belonged to him. When he was questioned at the station, he reportedly confessed to shooting Ethan and Ben, allegedly while showing them the gun, according to reports. Court records indicate that Connor claimed the gun was in his hand, and he didn’t realize how it went off. Police records specify that he further stated that he had wanted to “commit a homicide for a long time” and allegedly convinced his mother to buy him the firearm. In his statements, Connor claimed that there was no type of disagreement or fight before he shot Ethan and Ben.
According to official reports, detectives soon discovered Connor’s social media activity, where he shared a picture with lyrics about murder just days before the shooting. When investigators reportedly questioned the 911 caller, he informed them that he had allegedly heard Connor say, “What have I done?” after the shots were fired. Ultimately, he was charged with two counts of aggravated assault causing serious bodily injury. Although his initial bond was set at $600,000, it was later increased to $500,000 per count, totaling $1 million. After posting the $1 million bond, Connor was released from the Galveston County Jail. On December 25, 2023, his charges were upgraded to one count of murder and one count of aggravated assault causing serious bodily injury, and he was ultimately re-arrested at his home.
Connor Hilton is Incarcerated at a Texas Prison Facility Today
Following his arrest, Connor’s trial date was set for September 8, 2025. In August 2025, his defense claimed that during the time of the murder, Connor was taking a prescribed acne medication, isotretinoin, also known as Accutane. According to court documents, they claimed that it could have led him to have homicidal thoughts on the day of the murder. The defense reportedly presented an expert witness who claimed that using the medication above its prescribed dosage on that day could’ve caused a drug-induced psychotic state. However, the Galveston County District Court judge ultimately ruled that the psychosis defense was not allowed to be presented before the jury to determine guilt during the upcoming trial.
However, as per official records, the judge stated that the defense could raise the issue during sentencing mitigation. Yet, Connor finally waived his right to a jury trial and appeal when he accepted a plea deal from the prosecution. On September 2, 2025, he pleaded guilty to one count of murder and one count of aggravated assault, causing serious bodily injury. Right after that, Connor was sentenced to 50 years in prison for murder and received another 20-year term for aggravated assault. Both of these sentences are to be served concurrently.
Following Ethan’s death, his parents, Tara and Matthew Riley, and Ben’s mother, Shannon Bliek, filed a wrongful death civil lawsuit against Connor and his mother, Johnece. Reports state that the lawsuit filed by Ethan’s parents commenced in February 2026. However, it is essential to note that no further reports have emerged regarding the proceedings. While Connor’s current parole eligibility date is August 22, 2050, his projected release date is August 22, 2075. As of writing, Connor is serving his sentence at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice – George Beto Unit in Tennessee Colony, Texas.
