More than two years after a December 23, 2023 shooting shattered a quiet neighborhood in Friendswood, Texas, the ripple effects of that night continue to shape lives, courtrooms, and community conversations.
The violence unfolded inside a La Salle Street residence, where 17-year-old Connor Lynn Hilton shot two of his friends: Ethan Matthew Riley and Benjamin Bliek. Both teens were rushed to the hospital in critical condition. Riley died the following day, December 24, while Bliek survived but was left partially paralyzed, an injury that permanently altered his life.
According to law enforcement accounts later examined in national reporting, Hilton admitted to firing the weapon, initially claiming the gun discharged accidentally while he was showing it to his friends. Investigators, however, uncovered troubling details that complicated that narrative, including social media posts referencing violence and statements Hilton allegedly made about a desire to kill. Authorities found no evidence of an argument or struggle before the shooting.
The case gained national attention after Hilton’s defense attempted to link his actions to isotretinoin, commonly known as Accutane, an acne medication. Defense attorneys argued the drug may have caused a psychotic episode. Prosecutors countered with expert testimony rejecting any scientific connection between the medication and homicidal behavior. A judge ultimately barred the argument during the guilt phase of the trial, allowing it only for sentencing considerations.
Facing the possibility of life in prison, Hilton accepted a plea deal in September 2025. He was sentenced to 50 years for murder and 20 years for aggravated assault, to be served concurrently. He is currently incarcerated in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice system, with parole eligibility set decades in the future.
In court, Benjamin Bliek addressed Hilton directly, describing both the physical toll of his injuries and his determination to rebuild his life. According to local reporting, Bliek has turned to adaptive sports such as pickleball as part of his recovery. “I’m making progress every day,” he said, a statement that resonated deeply with observers.
Beyond criminal proceedings, the tragedy has moved into civil court. In early 2026, Ethan Riley’s parents, Tara and Matthew Riley, along with Bliek’s mother, Shannon Bliek, filed wrongful death and negligence lawsuits against Hilton and his mother, alleging failures that allowed a teenager access to a firearm. Legal experts note that such civil actions are increasingly common in cases involving youth gun violence.
Friendswood, a close-knit Houston-area suburb, continues to grapple with the loss. Community members say the case has intensified discussions around mental health awareness, parental responsibility, and safe firearm storage—issues echoed in national data showing gun violence remains a leading cause of death among U.S. teenagers.
A forthcoming episode of CBS’s 48 Hours is expected to revisit the case, offering further insight into the investigation and its aftermath. For Friendswood, the story remains deeply personal. Ethan Riley’s memory endures through his family and friends, while Benjamin Bliek’s resilience stands as a testament to survival amid tragedy.
