Nine teenagers have turned themselves in after the tragic death of 16-year-old Trey Dean Wright, who was allegedly lured to his death by his peers and girlfriend in June 2025.
Wright, a rising sophomore at Johnsonville High School and a proud varsity athlete, was gunned down on a remote road in Johnsonville, South Carolina, just a short drive from Myrtle Beach, on June 24.
He was found in the road around 11:30PM that evening with multiple gunshot wounds. He died from his injuries the following day.
Authorities believe the killing was premeditated, with at least one of the teens capturing the horrific moment on camera as Wright lay dying in the street.
The suspected shooter, 19-year-old Devan Scott Raper, remains in custody, facing charges of murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime.
Raper was allegedly brought to the scene by the late teen's 17-year-old girlfriend, Gianna Kistenmacher, who is also facing charges of accessory before the fact.
Investigators believe Kistenmacher was aware of the violent confrontation that would ensue, as she knew Raper was armed and had previously threatened Wright.
A Dispute Over LoveThe altercation between Wright and Raper is believed to have been sparked by a love triangle. Police suggest the two teens had been involved in a dispute over Kistenmacher, which led to a confrontation at a rural location.
Sheriff TJ Joye of Florence County explained the tragic nature of the situation, stating, “This was an altercation between two people. It’s not like I’m just going to go to Johnsonville and shoot somebody. They had issues with each other, and it was over a female," per Fox 8.
“The sad thing is, you got a 16-year-old that lost his life. You’ve got a 19-year-old who is going to be in jail the rest of his life. Over what?” he added.
Raper was arrested the day after the fatal shooting, and this led to the charging of eight other teens. The group, ranging from 17 to 18 years old, is accused of being complicit in the setup that led to Wright’s death.
Some people believed to have assisted in bringing Raper to the location, while others were present during the violent confrontation, aware that a shooting could take place.
Four additional minors are also implicated in the case, though their identities have not been disclosed due to their age. In addition to Kistenmacher, three other adults, Hunter Kendall, 18, Corrine Belviso, 18, and Sydney Kearns, 17, have been charged.
While their exact roles in the murder remain unclear, investigators suggest that all involved were aware that Raper was armed and had threatened Wright before the incident.
According to Florence County Sheriff’s Office Maj. Michael Nunn, the decision to charge multiple teens was not made lightly. “The decision was made, again with investigators, in consultation with the solicitor’s office to charge each of them,” he said.
He further emphasized South Carolina’s legal doctrine, stating, “The hand of one being the hand of all,” meaning that all involved are equally responsible for the crime.
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As the investigation continues, the community mourns the loss of Wright.
His mother, Ashley Lindsey, has vowed to fight for justice, saying, “My baby never deserved not one thing that happened to him, period. He was one in a million. He was good for people's souls. His happiness was so contagious. He always spread joy, and he was one of the most kind-hearted kids you'd ever meet," per ABC15.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to support the family with funeral expenses and other costs as they navigate this unimaginable loss.
The Role of Social Media in the TragedyThe footage, which shows Wright in his final moments, has sparked outrage and furthered the investigation into the events leading up to his death.
A 10th teenager, whose identity has not been revealed, is expected to turn themselves in as the investigation progresses.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the late teen's family continues to seek justice for their beloved son, with the community rallying around them during this difficult time.