John Hilton (b. 1/17/66, d. 8/3/90) was an ex-convict with a rap sheet for drug offenses and burglary. He was found murdered on Friday, August 3, 1990, in an alley behind a row of shops on Melrose Avenue and the 101 Freeway overpass. He had been shot once behind the right ear. The original investigators were George Hunter and Maxwell Talis.
Hilton was born out of wedlock to Sarah Charles. His biological father was John Jack Thompson. Later, Sarah married Donald Hilton, and John took his step father's surname. John had natural artistic talent, but at some point he began having behavioral problems, including drug use. His parents eventually rejected him.
He was killed by Elvin Kidd in 1990 to cover up the fact that they had a sexual relationship while both were in Corcoran State Prison.