FRIENDSWOOD, Texas – A 17-year-old boy from Friendswood, Texas, has been released on $1 million bail just a day after being arrested for a shooting that left two teens injured, one of them fatally.
The shooting that occurred on December 23 initially led to Connor Hilton being charged with two counts of aggravated assault causing serious bodily injury. However, the charges were upgraded to murder after one of the victims, 18-year-old Ethan Riley, died. Hilton posted bail and spent Christmas Day with his family before being re-arrested on Monday.
Galveston County Criminal District Attorney Jack Roady approved the murder warrant before Judge McCumber signed it. Police had expressed concern over the initial bond condition, stating that they did not provide adequate security measures for the community given the violent nature of Hilton’s actions. This was partly due to Hilton not wearing an ankle monitor. As a result, the bond amount was increased to $1 million. Roady has promised that appropriate bond conditions would be set, though a new bond has yet to be issued.
On December 23, at 8:51 p.m., the Friendswood Police Department responded to a call for gunshots in the area of the 1800 block of La Salle Street. Two men were found with gunshot wounds and taken to the hospital. Upon arrival at the hospital, both victims were listed in critical condition. Police have not publicly identified a second victim, 19, who still remains hospitalized in critical condition. Riley sadly did not survive the shooting.
The victim’s family and friends have expressed anger and shock that the 17-year-old was released. They said it was unfair to allow him to spend the holiday with his family because they were unable to celebrate it with the victims.
Friendswood Police Department is continuing its investigation into the shooting to gather more information about the circumstances leading up to the incident. They are appealing to the public for any potential witnesses or evidence that could aid their investigation. Hilton was booked again into the Friendswood City Jail and will eventually be transferred to Galveston County Jail.