Shooting in Friendswood Claims One Life, Teen Suspect Arrested for Murder

The Friendswood Police Department responded to a call reporting gunshots in the 1800 block of La Salle Street at approximately 8:51 PM on December 23, 2023. Upon arrival, officers discovered two adult males with gunshot wounds.

Both victims were transported to local hospitals for medical attention. Subsequently, one of the victims, identified as 18-year-old Ethan Riley, succumbed to his injuries on December 24, 2023. The other victim remains in critical condition.

Following the incident, 17-year-old Connor Hilton of Friendswood was taken into custody by the Friendswood Police Department and charged with two counts of Aggravated Assault Causing Serious Bodily Injury. Hilton underwent questioning by detectives and is now facing charges from the Galveston County District Attorney’s Office.

As of now, both victims’ conditions are of concern, with one fatality reported. The Friendswood Police Department, in collaboration with the Galveston County District Attorney’s Office, is actively investigating the incident. In light of Ethan Riley’s passing, authorities are considering additional charges against Hilton.

Connor Hilton is currently in custody at the Galveston County Jail, with his bond now set at $500,000 for each of the Aggravated Assault Causing Serious Bodily Injury charges. The investigation is ongoing.

UPDATE: Hilton bonded out of jail earlier in the day, on the 25th of December. At 6:40 pm, Friendswood Police Officers executed a Murder warrant on Conner Hilton at his home in the 1800 block of La Salle Street. He was immediately transported and booked into the Friendswood city jail. He will be transferred at a later time to the Galveston County Jail.

Galveston County Criminal District Attorney Jack Roady approved the Murder warrant before it was signed by Judge McCumber. Friendswood Police Chief Josh Rogers was assured that appropriate bond conditions would be set. At this time no bond has been issued.

Hilton is charged with Murder for the shooting death of Ethan Riley, 18, of Friendswood. Hilton is also charged with Aggravated Assault Causing Serious Bodily Injury. One 19-year-old victim remains in critical condition at a local hospital.