On December 23, 2023, in Friendswood, Texas, 18-year-old Ethan Riley was fatally shot after being invited to the home of 17-year-old Connor Hilton. According to court documents, Hilton allegedly showed Riley and 19-year-old Benjamin Bliek a revolver and then, without apparent provocation, shot Riley in the head and also shot Bliek, who survived with critical injuries. A third person in the house called 911 after hearing the gunshots; officers found Hilton visibly distraught outside and he allegedly confessed, saying he had contemplated committing a homicide for some time.

Hilton was first arrested on aggravated assault charges, released on bond December 24, 2023, then re-arrested and charged with murder on December 25 after Riley died. A grand jury later indicted Hilton on murder and aggravated assault; his bond conditions included GPS monitoring, residence restrictions, surrendering his passport, no social media, and no contact with the victims’ families. Defense lawyers have said mental health treatment will be a central part of the defense and that Hilton had been in therapy before the incident. The case remains pending at this time.

Did anyone in the Friendswood area know Ethan Riley or Benjamin Bliek and have information that might help clarify what happened that night?