FRIENDSWOOD, Texas – A Galveston County affidavit sheds light into a chilling murder in Friendswood over the holiday weekend.
According to the Friendswood Police Department, Connor Hilton, 17, of Friendswood, has been charged with two counts of aggravated assault causing serious bodily injury. His bond was set at $600,000, however, the Friendswood Police Department said the Galveston County District Attorney has increased Hilton’s bond to $500,000 for each of the charges, making his new bond $1 million.
On Thursday, KPRC 2 learned Hilton is now being held without bond in the Galveston County Jail.
Police said they received a call at approximately 8:51 p.m. Saturday about gunshots in the 1800 block of La Salle Street. When officers arrived, they found two men with gunshot wounds.
Ethan Riley, 18, died of his injuries.
The affidavit states Hilton was at his home with three others when he showed off a “revolver with a teal handle.” In an interview with Friendswood police Hilton said, according to the affidavit, “there was no disturbance between him and the other subjects to include any disagreement on the date of this incident.”
The court document states a witness was “hiding in a bathroom” called police when he heard two gunshots.
The witness told officers he heard Hilton walk by the bathroom, where he was hiding, “crying and stating, ‘what have I done?’”
When officers got on scene, a sergeant reports seeing Hilton sitting on the walkway “visibly distraught.” When Sergeant Schmidt approached, he asked if anyone was hurt, according to documents, Hilton “held his hand with two fingers extended, motioned towards the residence, and state there were two teenagers inside that Hilton believed to be deceased.”
When investigators entered the home, they found the two victims suffering from gunshot wounds to their heads. Riley was taken to HCA Clear Lake Hospital where he was pronounced dead and the other was taken to UTMB Clear Lake Hospital.
The surviving victim remains in the hospital in critical condition.
Suspect admits to shooting, details event
Hilton was taken to the Friendswood Police Department for further questioning. He admitted to investigators that she shot Riley and the other victim, according to court documents.
He also reportedly told investigators that he had thoughts about and wanted to commit a homicide for a long time. He said he invited the other men over to his home and how they arrived together.
According to the affidavit, Hilton said he had a handgun after he talked his mother into buying him one. He reportedly said that he wanted the gun with the intent of shooting someone or himself.
Before the shooting, the suspect said all three of them were in the main area of the residence when he was showing them the gun. Hilton reportedly said there was no altercation between him and the victims on the day of the shooting.
According to the affidavit, Hilton said “he stood up, raised the gun and shot Riley first in the left side of his head.” He said that he then turned to his right and shot the other victim in the left side of his head.
Hilton told investigators that he fully understood what he had done and that he should be held accountable.
Criminal defense attorney, J. L. Carpenter, released the following statement on behalf of the Hilton family:
The parents of Connor Hilton cannot express enough their deepest condolences to the victims’ families who have been heavily on the Hiltons’ hearts and minds as they try to navigate this devastating situation. The Hilton family wants to thank everyone who has reached out in love and support, including all who sent positive comments about Connor’s character and good nature in general. The family asks for continued prayers for everyone affected, especially the victims’ families.
