Florence County, South Carolina, August 18, 2025
News Summary
In Florence County, South Carolina, nine teenagers face charges related to the murder of 16-year-old Trey Dean Wright, who was shot after being lured by his girlfriend. The incident, stemming from a romantic rivalry, involved multiple individuals, with the main suspect, Devan Scott Raper, charged with homicide. The community mourns the loss of Wright, a beloved student and athlete.
Florence County, South Carolina – Nine teenagers have been charged in connection with the luring and subsequent murder of 16-year-old Trey Dean Wright. Wright was fatally shot on June 24, 2023. The incident is under investigation by local authorities, who have detailed a series of events leading up to the tragic confrontation.
Wright was reportedly lured to a remote area off a rural road in Florence County by his girlfriend, Gianna Kistenmacher, who was aware that a violent confrontation was imminent. A group of several teens waited for Wright at this location. Devan Scott Raper, 19, is accused of shooting Wright following a verbal dispute over a romantic rivalry. It is reported that at least one teenager filmed the altercation and the act of shooting, capturing the events as they unfolded.
The day after Wright’s body was discovered, Raper was arrested and subsequently charged with homicide and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. He is currently being held without bond. Following his arrest, eight additional teenagers were charged for their alleged roles in the plot against Wright. An additional suspect is expected to surrender soon, bringing the total number of charged individuals to nine.
Kistenmacher, Wright’s 17-year-old girlfriend, has been charged with accessory before the fact for allegedly instigating the confrontation that led to Wright’s death. After her arrest, she was released on bond but has been placed under home confinement. The other individuals charged include 18-year-olds Hunter Kendall and Corrinne Belviso, and 17-year-old Sydney Kearns. Specific details regarding their involvement have not been disclosed, but four other suspects involved in the case have been charged as minors, and their identities remain confidential.
According to the Florence County Sheriff’s Office, the decision to charge such a large number of teens was made after thoughtful consideration and consultation with the solicitor’s office. Under South Carolina law, any individuals involved in the crime can be charged as accomplices, regardless of their direct involvement in the act itself.
The motive for the shooting appears to stem from a romantic rivalry, as confirmed by Sheriff T.J. Joye. Trey Wright was known to be a rising sophomore at Johnsonville High School, admired for his role as a proud varsity athlete, and he left a significant impact on those who knew him.
A GoFundMe campaign has been initiated by friends and family to assist with funeral costs following Wright’s untimely passing. This tragedy has sent ripples through the community, where Wright was cherished by peers and educators alike.
FAQs
What happened to Trey Dean Wright?
Trey Dean Wright, a 16-year-old boy, was shot and killed in Florence County, South Carolina on June 24, 2023, after being lured to a remote area by his girlfriend.
How many teenagers have been charged in connection with the incident?
A total of nine teenagers have been charged, with one additional suspect expected to surrender shortly.
What were the charges against Devan Raper?
Devan Scott Raper has been charged with homicide and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. He is currently being held without bond.
What motive was behind the shooting?
The shooting reportedly stemmed from a romantic rivalry involving Trey Wright, leading to the confrontation that resulted in his death.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Trey Wright’s Age | 16 Years |
| Date of Incident | June 24, 2023 |
| Location | Florence County, South Carolina |
| Accused Shooter | Devan Scott Raper (19) |
| Girlfriend Involved | Gianna Kistenmacher (17) |
| Number of Teens Charged | 9 Total |
| Charges Against Raper | Homicide, Possession of a Weapon During a Violent Crime |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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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
Murder Arrest in Florence Following Homicide Investigation
Four Suspects Granted Bond in Trey Wright Murder Case
Four Teens Charged in Johnsonville Murder Case
Additional Resources
- New York Post: 10th South Carolina Teen Expected to Surrender
- WBTW: 8 Face Charges in Killing of Johnsonville Teenager
- Fox 4 News: 9 Teens Charged in Deadly South Carolina Shooting
- Wikipedia: Murder in South Carolina
- Crime and Cask: 9 Are Now Charged in Florence County Teen’s Murder
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Crime
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.
