Teen who shot two friends — killing one — claims popular acne drug is to blame

In December of 2023, a tragic incident occurred in Friendswood, Texas, when 17-year-old Connor Hilton shot his friends Ethan Riley and Benjamin Bliek in the head inside his own home. The confrontation resulted in the death of Ethan Riley, leaving the community in shock and disbelief.

Upon the arrival of the police at the scene, Hilton was visibly distressed and emotional. In interrogation footage featured in a recent report by CBS News’ “48 Hours,” he tearfully confessed to the authorities, acknowledging the gravity of his actions and expressing a need for both punishment and help. He revealed that he had been grappling with suicidal and homicidal thoughts, attributing the sudden outburst of violence to a prescription drug he had been taking for acne.

Hilton’s defense team pointed to Accutane, a medication commonly prescribed for severe acne, as the potential catalyst for his erratic behavior. While Accutane is no longer distributed under that brand name in the US, the active ingredient isotretinoin is still available generically. The drug is known to carry significant risks, including depression, suicidal thoughts, hallucinations, and aggressive or violent behaviors, prompting a “black box” warning from the FDA.

Research suggests that isotretinoin can impact the levels of mood-regulating chemicals in the brain, such as dopamine and serotonin, leading to adverse psychiatric effects in some individuals. A case study from 2014 documented a man experiencing acute psychosis while taking the medication, with symptoms subsiding upon discontinuation.

Hilton confessed to authorities that he had been experiencing suicidal and homicidal thoughts, even convincing his mother to purchase a gun for him. The day before the shooting, he missed his usual dose of the medication, leading him to double up on the day of the incident.

Experts, including psychiatrist Doug Bremner from Emory University School of Medicine, have suggested a causal link between isotretinoin and psychiatric symptoms based on Hilton’s case. Bremner noted that Hilton’s violent thoughts emerged only while on the medication and dissipated upon discontinuation, indicating a direct correlation.

Despite efforts by Hilton’s defense team to use the drug’s side effects as a defense in court, the judge ruled the information inadmissible for determining guilt. Hilton ultimately pleaded guilty to murder and aggravated assault, receiving a 50-year sentence in September of 2025.

In a civil suit brought by the parents of Ethan Riley, Hilton’s mother was found grossly negligent for allowing her son access to the handgun used in the shooting. The Riley family was awarded $60 million in damages, underscoring the devastating impact of the tragedy on all parties involved.

The case serves as a sobering reminder of the complexities surrounding mental health, prescription medications, and their potential consequences. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or mental health issues, resources such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can provide support and assistance in times of crisis. The world of technology is constantly evolving and advancing, with new innovations and breakthroughs being made every day. One of the latest developments in the field of technology is the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning.

AI refers to the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, especially computer systems. It involves tasks such as learning, reasoning, problem-solving, perception, and language understanding. Machine learning, on the other hand, is a subset of AI that focuses on the development of algorithms and statistical models that allow computers to learn and make decisions based on data.

One of the key applications of AI and machine learning is in the field of healthcare. These technologies have the potential to revolutionize the way medical professionals diagnose and treat patients, as well as improve the overall efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare systems.

For example, AI-powered algorithms can analyze large volumes of medical data to identify patterns and trends that human doctors may not be able to detect. This can help doctors make more accurate diagnoses and develop more personalized treatment plans for their patients. AI can also be used to predict patient outcomes and recommend the most effective interventions, based on individual patient data.

In addition, AI and machine learning can help healthcare providers streamline administrative tasks, such as scheduling appointments, processing insurance claims, and managing electronic health records. This can free up more time for doctors and nurses to focus on patient care, ultimately improving the quality of healthcare services.

Another area where AI and machine learning are making a significant impact is in the field of autonomous vehicles. Companies like Tesla, Waymo, and Uber are developing self-driving cars that use AI algorithms to navigate roads, avoid obstacles, and make split-second decisions to ensure the safety of passengers and pedestrians.

These autonomous vehicles rely on a combination of sensors, cameras, and machine learning algorithms to interpret their surroundings and react accordingly. They can detect and respond to traffic signals, pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles in real-time, making them potentially safer and more efficient than human drivers.

AI and machine learning are also being used in the field of financial services to detect fraud, analyze market trends, and make investment decisions. Banks and financial institutions are using AI algorithms to identify suspicious transactions, predict stock prices, and automate customer service processes.

Overall, the rise of AI and machine learning is transforming industries and revolutionizing the way we live and work. These technologies have the potential to drive innovation, improve efficiency, and enhance decision-making across a wide range of sectors. As AI continues to evolve and advance, we can expect to see even more groundbreaking applications and benefits in the years to come.