A major decision has come in the high-profile Connor Hilton murder case. On Tuesday, Judge Rebecca Millo of the 10th District Court ruled that Hilton’s defense team cannot use a new argument claiming drug-induced psychosis to decide his guilt. The trial is set for next month.
Hilton’s lawyer, Rick Detoto, argued that an acne medicine called Accutane triggered a psychotic episode that led to the crime. But the judge said this theory can only be considered later, if Hilton is found guilty, during the punishment stage.
What the Defense Claimed
Hilton, now 18, is accused of shooting two of his friends in December 2023. One of them, Ethan Riley, died, while the other, Brian Bliek, was left seriously injured.
The defense said Hilton had been prescribed Accutane to treat severe acne since July 2022. On the day of the crime, they claim he took four pills of 80 milligrams each, more than the recommended dose.
Their medical expert, Dr. James Douglas Bremner, testified that the medicine may have caused psychosis, leading Hilton to lose control of his actions.
Detoto explained, “Our expert said Hilton was a normal kid before using Accutane. But because of the medicine, he was in psychosis and could not control his behaviour.”
What Is Accutane?
Accutane, also called isotretinoin, is a strong medicine used for severe acne that does not respond to other treatments. Doctors usually prescribe it for painful cystic acne.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Accutane can cause side effects such as mood swings, depression, personality changes, and in rare cases, suicidal or violent thoughts.
Psychiatrist Dr. Sadaf Javaid explained that dermatologists often send young patients for psychiatric evaluation before starting Accutane. “One of the known side effects is depression, so we carefully assess before prescribing,” she said.
What Happened on the Day of the Crime
Court documents reveal that on December 23, 2023, police received a 911 call from someone hiding in a bathroom inside Hilton’s Friendswood home. The caller reported hearing gunshots and feared others were injured.
When police arrived, Hilton appeared upset. Officers asked if anyone was hurt, and Hilton nodded, holding up two fingers to indicate two victims. Inside the home, police found Riley dead with a head wound and Bliek badly injured.
A witness told police Hilton was heard crying and saying, “What have I done?” shortly after the shooting.
What Happens Next
Hilton’s trial is scheduled to begin on September 8. While the psychosis defense cannot be used to decide whether he is guilty, Detoto says it may still play a role in reducing his punishment if convicted. The defense also plans to keep the argument for a possible appeal later.
The Connor Hilton case has gained wide attention because it raises tough questions about how powerful medicines like Accutane may affect the mind.
While the court will not allow the psychosis defense in the trial, it may still play a role in sentencing or appeal. For now, the focus will be on whether Hilton is guilty of the crimes, with the trial beginning in September.
