Connor Hilton Today: Latest Update on the Convicted Killer
On December 23, 2023, a tragic incident in Friendswood, Texas, shocked the local community. Inside a residence on La Salle Street, 17-year-old Connor Lynn Hilton shot two of his friends, 18-year-old Ethan Riley and 19-year-old Benjamin “Ben” Bliek, execution-style. The horrific event unfolded shortly after Hilton invited his friends over for a casual hangout during the holiday season.
Background on Connor Hilton
Connor Hilton was born in 2006 and raised in a seemingly supportive home. His parents, Johnece and Neal Hilton, described him as a mild and laid-back child with no prior behavioral issues. As a senior in high school, he was actively engaged in sports, particularly basketball.
The Shooting Incident
During the evening of the incident, Connor retrieved a gun that his mother had purchased. Within moments, he shot Ethan and Ben without provocation. Following the shots, a friend dialed 911, leading to Connor being quickly apprehended by authorities, who found him sitting outside. He initially confessed to the shooting while expressing deep remorse.
Legal Proceedings
Connor was charged with murder and aggravated assault. A plea deal followed as his defense team attempted to have the case dismissed based on claims of mental health issues, specifically alleging psychosis linked to acne medication. However, the presiding judge dismissed this argument due to a lack of supporting evidence.
- Murder charge for Ethan Riley
- Aggravated assault for Benjamin Bliek
On September 2, 2025, Connor entered a guilty plea. He received a sentence of 50 years for murder and 20 years for aggravated assault, with both sentences to run concurrently. Connor will be eligible for parole after serving 25 years, but he could remain incarcerated until 2075 if denied parole.
Current Status and Lawsuit
At the age of 19, Connor Hilton is now serving his sentence at the George Beto Unit in Texas. His family faces further complications, as Ethan’s relatives have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against both Connor and his mother for over $1 million. A civil trial began on February 3, 2026, revealing additional details about Connor’s mental health struggles, including testimony from his mother regarding anxiety and depression leading up to the shooting.
The case has ignited discussions about the impacts of mental health on youth and the responsibilities of gun ownership. As more details emerge, the tragedy continues to resonate within the Friendswood community and beyond.
