On December 23, 2023, our community was shaken by the tragic murder of Ethan Riley and the aggravated assault of Benjamin Bliek. Since that day, the Friendswood Police Department has worked tirelessly with Galveston County prosecutors and the victims’ families to pursue justice.
After an extensive investigation and careful trial preparation, prosecutors, with the support of the victims and their families, reached a plea agreement with defendant Connor Hilton and his attorneys. Hilton pleaded guilty to Murder and was sentenced to 50 years in prison. He also received a 20-year sentence for Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon. These sentences will be served concurrently.
This resolution spares the surviving victim and witnesses from the painful ordeal of a lengthy trial, while ensuring accountability has been secured. Justice has been delivered, but this case remains a solemn reminder that in tragedies such as this, there are no true winners.
One family must endure the unspeakable loss of a child. Another family faces a long and difficult road to recovery. And our Friendswood community has suffered with innocence lost, friendships broken, and lives forever changed.
As Chief of Police, my deepest sympathies are with the victims, their families, and all who have been affected by this senseless act of violence. Ethan and Ben will never be forgotten by our department, and their families will remain in our hearts. We remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting them and to ensuring the safety and security of our community.
