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Who is Connor Hilton & Where Is He Now? 2026 Update & Background

by · February 5, 2026

Connor Hilton was 17 years old when he became the central figure in one of the most disturbing crimes to come out of Friendswood, Texas. In December 2023, just days before Christmas, Hilton shot two of his friends inside his family home, killing 18-year-old Ethan Riley and seriously wounding Ben Bliek. The case would later draw national attention because of an unusual and controversial legal strategy that blamed a prescription medication for Hilton’s actions.

Now serving a lengthy prison sentence, Hilton’s story remains a stark examination of violence, intent, and accountability. His path from suburban teenager to convicted murderer unfolded through police records, courtroom testimony, and statements that left a lasting impact on the victims’ families and the wider community.

Early Life and Public Perception

Before the shooting, Hilton was described by his parents and defense team as a quiet, ordinary teenager. He lived with his family in a middle-class Friendswood neighborhood and attended school locally. Friends and relatives later said there were few outward signs that suggested he was capable of extreme violence.

At the same time, investigators would later uncover statements that challenged this image. According to police interviews, Hilton admitted he had thought about committing a homicide long before December 2023. These admissions became central to the prosecution’s case and sharply contrasted with the defense narrative of a sudden psychological break.

The Events of December 23, 2023

On the night of the shooting, Hilton invited friends to his home on La Salle Street. There was no argument, no reported conflict, and no indication of escalating tension. According to Hilton’s own confession, the group was gathered in the main area of the house while he showed them a handgun.

Hilton told police he stood up and shot Ethan Riley in the head, then turned and shot Ben Bliek. A third person in the home escaped and called 911 while hiding in a bathroom. When officers arrived, Hilton was outside and indicated that two people inside had been shot. Inside, officers found Riley dead and Bliek gravely injured. Bliek would survive after months of intensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.

Confession and Criminal Charges

Hilton was taken into custody and subjected to gunshot residue testing and a formal interview. During questioning, he confessed to the shootings and acknowledged what he had done. Police reports state that Hilton said he understood the seriousness of his actions and expected to be held responsible.

Initially charged with aggravated assault, Hilton was released on bond. When Ethan Riley later died from his injuries, prosecutors upgraded the charges to murder, and Hilton was re-arrested. Despite his age, he was charged and prosecuted as an adult in Galveston County.

The Accutane Defense Strategy

As the case moved toward trial, Hilton’s attorneys introduced a defense that would come to define public discussion of the case. They argued that Hilton’s use of isotretinoin, commonly known by the brand name Accutane, caused a drug-induced psychosis that impaired his ability to control his actions.

The defense presented expert testimony from a psychiatrist who cited documented side effects of the medication, including mood changes and violent thoughts in rare cases. Hilton’s parents said they observed a drastic change in their son’s behavior after he began taking the drug to treat severe cystic acne. They claimed the medication altered his personality and judgment.

Prosecutors rejected the argument, pointing to Hilton’s own statements about wanting to kill and his deliberate actions on the night of the shooting. A judge later ruled that the medication-based defense could not be used to determine guilt, though it could be raised during sentencing as a mitigating factor.

Guilty Plea and Sentencing

In September 2025, Hilton pleaded guilty to the murder of Ethan Riley and the aggravated assault of Ben Bliek. The plea agreement spared the families a full trial and resulted in a 50-year prison sentence for murder and a 20-year sentence for assault, to be served concurrently.

During sentencing, Ben Bliek addressed the court and confronted Hilton directly, expressing anger and lasting pain. Ethan Riley’s family spoke about their loss and the future that was taken from their son. Hilton showed visible emotion but did not dispute his responsibility for the crime.

Where Connor Hilton Is Now

Connor Hilton is currently incarcerated in the Texas prison system, serving his sentence with parole eligibility governed by state law for violent offenses. He will spend decades behind bars, with his earliest possible release date far in the future.

Beyond prison walls, Hilton also faces civil consequences. Ethan Riley’s parents filed a wrongful death lawsuit, which proceeded separately from the criminal case. That civil action reflects the continuing legal and emotional aftermath of the shooting.

Hilton’s case remains cited in discussions about prescription medications, mental health, and criminal responsibility. While the courts ultimately rejected his primary defense, the questions raised by his attorneys continue to resonate. For Friendswood, the case stands as a lasting reminder of a life lost, a survivor forever changed, and a young man whose actions irrevocably altered many lives, including his own.

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Ryan Gill

Ryan is a passionate follower of true crime television programs, reporting on and providing in-depth investigations on mysteries in the criminal world.

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