Friendswood teen formally charged with fatally shooting friend, injuring another, authorities say

FRIENDSWOOD, Texas (KTRK) — A 17-year-old accused of shooting two of his friends at his home, killing one of them before Christmas, has been formally charged, according to the Friendswood Police Department.

On Tuesday, the department announced that a Galveston County grand jury indicted Connor Hilton on charges of murder and aggravated assault causing serious bodily injury in the Dec. 23, 2023, shooting.

The video above is from a previous report.

“Hilton admitted to shooting two men inside his home. One of the male victims died of his injuries after being transported to the hospital,” Friendswood police said. “The other victim, a man, suffered life-changing injuries as a result of the incident and continues his path to recovery.”

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On December 23, 2023, officers responded to a call of shots fired in the 1800 block of La Salle Street. Two men were found with gunshot wounds and taken to hospital. One of the victims, Ethan Riley, 18, died at the hospital, according to police.

Police said they found Hilton visibly upset on the sidewalk outside his home. According to records, a friend called 911 from the bathroom after hearing gunshots.

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Court records say Hilton later told police he shot his two friends in the head with a gun his mother bought him, and that it was unprovoked. According to court records, he first shot Riley and then Benjamin Bliek.

Hilton was released from jail on $1 million bail on January 3.