News Summary
A judge has denied bond for 19-year-old Devan Raper, charged with murder in the shooting of 16-year-old Trey Wright in Johnsonville. The incident occurred after an argument, shocking the local community. Authorities noted a rise in gun violence among teens and are working on preventive measures. Raper, previously arrested on accessory charges for another shooting, will appear in court again soon as the investigation continues.
Johnsonville, South Carolina – A judge has denied bond for 19-year-old Devan Raper, who faces charges of murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime in connection with the fatal shooting of 16-year-old Trey Wright. The incident occurred on a Tuesday night on North 1st Neck Road near Johnsonville, leaving the community in shock and mourning. Raper has been booked at the Florence County Detention Center and is scheduled to appear in court again on August 19.
According to law enforcement officials, Raper allegedly shot Wright following an argument. Upon arrival, deputies found Wright lying in the road with multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported to a nearby hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. Wright was a student and an employee at Vox Deer Processing, where he was described as a beloved member of the staff, known for his positive influence and memorable presence in the community.
In a troubling development, it has been reported that Raper was previously arrested on accessory charges related to another shooting incident that occurred in August 2024 in Conway. However, those charges were eventually dropped due to a lack of cooperation from witnesses. Jimmy Richardson, the 15th Circuit Solicitor, expressed frustration over the challenges faced in gathering witness testimonies for the earlier case, indicating that multiple attempts were made to facilitate cooperation but proved unsuccessful.
In the wake of this incident, the Florence County Sheriff’s Office has noted an alarming trend of increasing gun violence among teenagers in the area. Authorities are taking measures to address this issue through community outreach initiatives and proactive policing efforts aimed at curbing illegal weapons and gun violence.
As the community grieves the loss of Trey Wright, officials from Florence School District 5 extended their condolences to his family and friends, recognizing the impact he had on the lives of his peers. The tragic nature of this incident has raised concerns about youth involvement in gun violence, prompting many to call for increased safety measures and support for young individuals in the region.
Further developments are expected as the Florence County Sheriff’s Office has indicated that additional arrests may be made in connection with the shooting. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work diligently to gather more information and provide a thorough account of the events that transpired.
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Additional Resources
- WMBF News: Suspect in Deadly Shooting Identified
- Wikipedia: Johnsonville, South Carolina
- WBTW: 16-Year-Old Boy Dies in Overnight Shooting
- Google Search: Florence County Shooting
- WPDE: 3 Charged After Double Shooting
- Encyclopedia Britannica: South Carolina
- WMBF News: Victim Identified, Arrest Made
- Google News: Gun Violence Among Teenagers
