Johnsonville, South Carolina, September 15, 2025
News Summary
In Johnsonville, South Carolina, nine individuals have been charged in connection with the shooting death of 16-year-old Trey Dean Wright. The incident, resulting from a dispute over a romantic rivalry, has raised serious concerns about rising youth gun violence. Authorities report that the main suspect, Devan Scott Raper, faces murder charges, while several others, including juveniles, are involved. Wright’s family is navigating the emotional toll of their loss amidst ongoing legal proceedings.
Johnsonville, South Carolina – Nine individuals face charges following the tragic shooting death of 16-year-old Trey Dean Wright. The incident, which occurred on June 24, emerged from a dispute over a romantic rivalry. Eighteen-year-old Devan Scott Raper was arrested shortly after the shooting, with law enforcement attributing the altercation to an argument involving a girl. Authorities reported that Wright succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds and was transported to an area hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The shooting took place around midnight on North 1st Neck Road, where Wright was found. An autopsy has been scheduled by the coroner’s office for the following week. Witness accounts, including video documentation, continue to be a focal point for the ongoing investigation. In addition to Raper, law enforcement has taken into custody several other teens believed to be involved in the incident. These suspects, many of whom are juveniles, face serious charges under state law.
The involvement of Wright’s girlfriend, 17-year-old Gianna Kistenmacher, has raised further questions. She is accused of being an accessory before the fact, allegedly facilitating Raper’s access to Wright on the night of the shooting. The Florence County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that five suspects are charged as adults, reflecting the gravity of the crime. Prosecutors have introduced additional murder charges against three other suspects: 18-year-olds Hunter Kendall and Corrine Belviso, along with 17-year-old Sydney Kearns.
Raper currently faces charges including murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. He is being held without bond, along with Kendall, while Belviso and Kearns have posted surety bonds of $20,000 and have been released pending trial. The ramifications of this incident extend beyond the victims; local law enforcement officials express growing concerns regarding a troubling increase in gun violence among youth. They call for deeper community outreach to address underlying issues contributing to such tragedies.
Law enforcement acknowledges that the troubling trend of youth involvement in gun violence is not simply about guns but rather about individuals’ choices to engage in violent behavior. This tragic case highlights the urgent need for intervention and prevention tactics aimed at steering youth away from a path of violence. Officials stress the importance of community involvement in creating safer environments for all residents.
The family of Trey Dean Wright continues to navigate the emotional toll of their loss. His mother has expressed frustration over the legal proceedings that seem to be prolonging their pain. The ongoing investigation into this heartbreaking event serves as a grim reminder of the consequences of violent confrontations among young individuals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to the shooting of Trey Dean Wright?
The shooting resulted from an argument over a romantic rivalry between Wright and Devan Scott Raper, who has been arrested in connection with the incident.
How many individuals have been charged in relation to this incident?
A total of nine individuals, including several juveniles, have been charged in connection with the shooting of Trey Dean Wright.
What charges are the suspects facing?
The primary suspect, Devan Scott Raper, has been charged with murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. Other suspects including Hunter Kendall and Corrine Belviso are facing additional murder charges.
What is being done about the rise in youth gun violence?
Local law enforcement officials are expressing concerns about the increase in gun violence among youth and are calling for community outreach programs to address the underlying issues leading to such violence.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Victim | Trey Dean Wright, 16 years old |
| Date of Incident | June 24 |
| Location | North 1st Neck Road, Johnsonville, SC |
| Main Suspect | Devan Scott Raper, 19 years old |
| Charges Against Main Suspect | Murder, possession of a weapon during a violent crime |
| Total Suspects Charged | Nine individuals, with five charged as adults |
| Community Response | Call for outreach programs to combat youth violence |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Nine Teenagers Arrested in Connection with Fatal Shooting
Nine Teenagers Charged in Murder Plot of Trey Dean Wright
Additional Resources
- WMBF News
- Wikipedia: Youth Violence
- People
- Google Search: Johnsonville South Carolina
- WBTW News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun Violence
- Fox News
- Google News: South Carolina Shooting
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.
