Myrtle Beach, SC, August 18, 2025
News Summary
In a tragic incident in Myrtle Beach, nine teenagers, including the victim’s girlfriend, face charges related to the shooting death of 16-year-old Trey Dean Wright. The alleged shooter, 19-year-old Devan Scott Raper, reportedly shot Wright during a dispute over a romantic rivalry. The case has sparked significant community concern, particularly regarding the involvement of minors and the violent nature of the crime. A GoFundMe campaign has been established to assist Wright’s family with funeral costs as the investigation continues.
Myrtle Beach, SC
Nine teenagers from the Myrtle Beach area, including the girlfriend of the victim, have been charged in the shooting death of 16-year-old Trey Dean Wright of Johnsonville, South Carolina. Wright was found dead with multiple gunshot wounds on June 24 in Florence County, approximately 45 miles west of Myrtle Beach.
Devan Scott Raper, a 19-year-old from Conway, is alleged to have fatally shot Wright during an argument related to a romantic rivalry. He was arrested the day after the incident. Authorities report that at least one of the teenagers involved in the situation recorded the shooting on video.
The charges against the nine teenagers have garnered attention due to their ages and the nature of the crime. Among those charged is 17-year-old Gianna Kistenmacher, alleged to have acted as an accessory by bringing Raper to the crime scene while knowing he was armed. According to Major Michael Nunn from the Florence County Sheriff’s Office, the group was complicit in Raper’s actions, being aware that he was armed and had made threats against Wright.
In addition to Raper, three other suspects—18-year-olds Hunter Kendall and Corrine Belviso, and 17-year-old Sydney Kearns—have been charged. Hunter Kendall and Raper are being held without bond, while Belviso and Kearns were released after posting $20,000 surety bonds.
South Carolina law permits all suspects involved to be charged as adults under the legal principle known as “the hand of one is the hand of all.” This principle is significant given the age of the suspects and the implications for their legal proceedings.
The motivation behind the shooting seems to stem from a romantic rivalry, as confirmed by Sheriff T.J. Joye. Wright was described as a rising sophomore at Johnsonville High School and a dedicated varsity athlete known for his love of outdoor activities and his infectious smile.
Wright’s mother, Ashley Lindsey, has expressed her distress regarding the ongoing court proceedings and the violent nature of her son’s death. Additionally, community members have come together to create a GoFundMe campaign aimed at assisting Wright’s family with funeral costs.
The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities withholding further details due to the involvement of minors in the case. As the situation continues to unfold, the significant community response highlights the impact of this tragedy on the local area.
FAQ
What led to the shooting of Trey Dean Wright?
The shooting appears to have stemmed from a romantic rivalry involving Trey Dean Wright and Devan Scott Raper, the alleged shooter.
How many teenagers have been charged in connection with the shooting?
Nine teenagers from the Myrtle Beach area have been charged in connection with the shooting death of Trey Dean Wright.
What are the charges against the alleged shooter, Devan Scott Raper?
Devan Scott Raper faces charges of murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime.
How is the community responding to this incident?
Community members have organized a GoFundMe campaign to help cover the funeral expenses for Trey Dean Wright’s family.
Key Features of the Incident
| Incident Date | June 24 |
| Location | Florence County, SC |
| Victim | Trey Dean Wright, 16 |
| Alleged Shooter | Devan Scott Raper, 19 |
| Total Charged | Nine teenagers |
| Charges Against Raper | Murder, possession of a weapon during a violent crime |
| Response from Community | GoFundMe campaign for funeral costs |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Teenagers Arrested in Connection with Trey Wright’s Murder
Nine Teens Charged in Tragic Shooting of South Carolina Boy
Nine Teenagers Arrested in Connection with Fatal Shooting
Nine Teenagers Charged in Murder Plot of Trey Dean Wright
Nine Teens Arrested in Connection with Teenage Murder
Four Additional Suspects Charged in Teen Murder Case
Four Suspects Granted Bond in Trey Wright Murder Case
Four Teens Charged in Johnsonville Murder Case
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Six Charged in Connection with Teen Murder in Johnsonville
Additional Resources
Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER
FLORENCE STAFF WRITER The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
