Just before 9 p.m. On Dec. 23, 2023, police responded to a call at a home in Friendswood, Texas, where 17‑year‑old Connor Hilton told officers he had “screwed up so bad.”
What the police found
When officers entered the house they discovered Riley and Bliek lying on the floor, each with a head wound. A 15‑year‑old who had called 911 was found in the bathroom on crutches and reported hearing two loud gunshots.
Hilton initially claimed self‑defense, saying an argument escalated and that Ethan tried to grab his throat. He later admitted he had planned the shooting and that the “idea of murder” was “super interesting” to him.
Detectives recorded Hilton’s statements, noting his repeated admissions that he had “the stupid finger on the trigger,” that he had convinced his mother to buy a gun, and that he wanted “to either shoot myself or shoot somebody.”
Family reactions
Hilton’s mother, Johnece Hilton, arrived to find police tape and cars surrounding the home. She later told officers she could not believe what had happened and described the scene as “insanity.”
Father Neal Hilton said the phone call was “unthinkable” given how well he thought he knew his son. The Riley and Bliek families were taken to hospitals; Bliek survived after extensive surgery, whereas Riley later died.
The “Accutane” defense
Hilton’s attorneys argued that the acne medication isotretinoin (Accutane) caused psychotic symptoms, including suicidal and homicidal thoughts. They hired Dr. Doug Bremner, a psychiatry professor who testified that isotretinoin can reduce activity in brain regions linked to emotion and impulse control.
Prosecutors countered that there is no proven link between the drug and violent behavior and that Hilton’s statements and online activity – including murder‑related videos and lyrics posted hours before the shooting – indicated a pre‑existing fascination with killing.
A judge later limited Dr. Bremner’s testimony to the punishment phase of the trial, noting the lack of direct brain‑scan evidence.
Plea agreement and sentencing
In September 2025, prosecutors offered Hilton a plea: 50 years in prison for murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, with a waiver of appeal. Hilton accepted, pleading guilty before Judge Rebecca Millo.
Victim impact statements were read. Ben Bliek said he would “never forgive” Hilton, while his mother blamed the mother who purchased the firearm. Hilton’s mother expressed deep remorse, saying she wished she had never bought the gun or allowed the medication.
Hilton will be eligible for parole in August 2050, at which time he will be 43 years old.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly happened on Dec. 23, 2023?
Police arrived at a Friendswood home after a 15‑year‑old called 911. Inside they found two teens, Ethan Riley (18) and Benjamin Bliek (19), with gunshot wounds to the head. The shooter, 17‑year‑old Connor Hilton, admitted to firing the gun and later confessed to planning the attack.
What is the “Accutane defense”?
The defense claims that isotretinoin, a prescription acne medication, can cause psychiatric side effects such as depression, psychosis, and homicidal thoughts. Hilton’s lawyers presented Dr. Doug Bremner’s testimony that the drug may have reduced activity in brain regions involved in impulse control, arguing this impaired Hilton’s ability to act knowingly.
What was the legal outcome for Connor Hilton?
Hilton entered a guilty plea to murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, receiving a 50‑year prison sentence and waiving his right to appeal. He will be eligible for parole in August 2050.
What steps can families and schools accept when a teen shows signs of extreme fascination with violence?
