Naman Shrestha
The episode titled ‘The Rx Defense’ of CBS’ ’48 Hours’ delves deep into the horrific shooting incident that led to the demise of 18-year-old Ethan Riley in Friendswood, Texas, in December 2023. The entire community was left shell-shocked, while the loved ones of the deceased teenager were taken over by grief and the desire to get him justice. The swift investigation led the detectives to an unlikely killer, who defended his actions, claiming that his acne medicine made him do it. The documentary features insightful and emotional interviews with Ethan’s family and friends, providing the viewers with an in-depth account of the case.
Ethan Riley Was Shot at a Friend’s House in Friendswood, Texas
Born on October 13, 2005, in Webster, Texas, Ethan Matthew Riley was a beloved son of Tara and Matthew Riley. Growing up in Friendswood alongside his twin sister, Elise, and another sister named Abby, Ethan was described as a kind and compassionate individual who could light up even the dullest of rooms with his warm presence. Ethan carried in his heart a special light seen and felt by so many. He shared a close-knit bond with his mother, father, and sisters. The teenager was admired by many and had friends who doted on him. Sadly, a tragedy struck the Riley household in December 2023, when Ethan passed away suddenly. It sent shockwaves across the town as not one, but two individuals had their lives destroyed on the fateful day.
On December 23, 2023, Ethan had been spending time at his friend Connor Hilton’s residence on La Salle Street in Friendswood, Texas, with a few other friends. Sometime late evening, the police were called to the house in connection with a shooting incident. They reached the house around 9 pm and found Ethan’s friend, Connor Hilton, sitting on the curb outside his home. When they reached out to him, he told them that two of his friends, Ethan Rilley and Benjamin Bliek, were shot inside his house. Upon entering the home, they discovered the two teenagers with gunshot wounds to their heads and a revolver with a teal handle on a nearby table. Both of them were rushed to the hospital. Unfortunately, the following day, 18-year-old Ethan succumbed to his injuries. Meanwhile, Benjamin eventually recovered from his wounds.
Ethan Riley’s Killer Claimed That an Acne Medication Led Him to Commit the Crime
As part of the investigation, the authorities spoke with Connor Hilton, who told them he had invited his friends, including Ethan Riley, over to his place to show them a new gun that his mother bought him. As per his account, none of them got into any kind of fight or argument before the shooting occurred. However, Connor claimed that he had been thinking about committing homicide for a significant amount of time, and he somehow managed to convince his mother to buy him one. According to reports, he had also posted a song on social media that contained disturbing lyrics about killing someone. Eventually, Connor admitted to shooting both of his friends in the head with his new gun, unprovoked. Thus, he was charged with two counts of aggravated assault causing serious bodily injury.
Although he was out on bail the following day, he was again arrested on Christmas night, as one of the charges was upgraded to murder after Ethan died in the hospital. Held at the Galveston County Jail, he was released from custody on the condition that he wear an ankle monitor at all times and remain at a new address in Harris County, except for doctor or lawyer appointments. He was also ordered not to use social media and to surrender his passport. In his defense, Connor claimed that he was under the influence of his acne medication, Accutane, at the time of the murder, and that caused him to have a psychotic breakdown. However, on August 26, 2025, a judge declined to allow an expert to testify the same and corroborate his defense.
With his defense collapsed and the trial date approaching, Connor pleaded guilty to the charges against him during a pre-trial hearing on September 2, 2025. Thus, he was sentenced to 50 years in prison for the murder charge and an additional 20 years for the aggravated assault with a deadly weapon charge. Both terms were ordered to be served concurrently. His surviving friend, Benjamin Bliek, took the stand and addressed him, 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.” Ethan’s father also stated, “I sit here with so much love, love in my heart. For my son, Ethan Matthew Riley. He’s a beautiful soul, full of love and light. You can see that light in his eyes. And hear it in his laughter.”
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