Florence County, SC, October 11, 2025
News Summary
Florence County authorities have charged 18-year-old Caleb Wright Howard with reckless homicide for the fatal crash that killed Reverend Early Singletary, Sr. Additionally, nine suspects have been implicated in the shooting death of 16-year-old Trey Wright, prompting alarm in the community. The ongoing investigations highlight the tragic loss of young lives amid rising violence.
Florence County Arrests: Teen Charged in Fatal Crash and Nine Suspects in Shooting Death
Florence County authorities have made significant arrests related to two tragic incidents involving a fatal crash and a shooting death of a 16-year-old. In a recent development, 18-year-old Caleb Wright Howard has been charged with reckless homicide following a crash in September that resulted in the death of 94-year-old Reverend Early Singletary, Sr. Additionally, in a separate case, the number of suspects linked to the shooting death of Trey Wright has risen to nine, with several recent arrests made.
Fatal Crash Details
The fatal crash involving Howard occurred on Highway 52 in the Scranton area of South Carolina. Reverend Singletary died as a result of the incident. Police Chief Jason Willoughby confirmed that Howard was arrested early Thursday morning and is currently detained at the Florence County Detention Center. He is awaiting a bond hearing regarding his charges.
Shooting Case Developments
In the ongoing investigation into the fatal shooting of Trey Wright, Sheriff TJ Joye announced that four new individuals have been charged, increasing the total number of suspects to nine. The identities of these new suspects have not yet been disclosed. Among the nine suspects, seven are adults and two are minors.
Previously arrested in connection with Wright’s murder are 18-year-old Hunter Kendall, 17-year-old Sydney Kearns, and 18-year-old Corinne Belviso, all from Myrtle Beach. Kendall, Kearns, and Belviso were processed in jail throughout the week. Raper and Kistenmacher were also arrested as part of the larger investigation. Raper has been denied bond and is currently in custody, while Kistenmacher has been granted a $25,000 bond under strict conditions, including home detention and a prohibition of social media use.
Underlying Conflicts and Circumstances
Authorities report that the conflict leading to the shooting is believed to have originated from personal disputes involving Kistenmacher. Raper allegedly threatened Wright prior to the shooting, and at least one witness reportedly recorded the event. South Carolina law mandates that all individuals involved in such severe crimes face charges as adults, regardless of their age.
This tragic incident has claimed the life of a young person and has sent shockwaves through the community. Sheriff Joye has emphasized the severe consequences of such violent disputes, reiterating the loss of young life as a significant concern. The investigation remains active, with law enforcement looking into all evidence and pursuing potential leads to further comprehend the events surrounding the shooting.
Conclusion
As Florence County grapples with these traumatic incidents, the ongoing investigations hope to bring clarity and justice. With Howard charged in the fatal crash and law enforcement working diligently to address gang violence, the community is left mourning and seeking answers.
FAQ
1. What charges has Caleb Wright Howard faced?
He has been charged with reckless homicide in connection with a fatal crash that resulted in the death of Reverend Early Singletary, Sr.
2. How many suspects have been charged in the shooting death of Trey Wright?
A total of nine suspects have been charged, including four new individuals recently arrested.
3. What is the current status of the suspects arrested in connection with the shooting?
Of the nine suspects, seven are adults while two are minors. Some have been granted bond, while others, like Devan Raper, have been denied bond.
4. What conditions has Kistenmacher been placed under after her bond release?
Kistenmacher has been granted bond with strict conditions, including home detention and a prohibition of social media use.
5. What implications does South Carolina law have for the suspects?
Under South Carolina law, all suspects involved in the murder face charges as adults, regardless of age.
Key Features of the Incidents
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Type | Fatal Crash and Shooting Death |
| First Arrest | Caleb Wright Howard, charged with reckless homicide |
| Shooting Case Total Suspects | Nine suspects charged |
| New Arrests in Shooting | Four new suspects, identities undisclosed |
| Age Breakdown of Suspects | Seven adults, two minors |
| Community Impact | Loss of young life and ongoing investigations |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Florence County Standoff Incidents Result in Arrests
Additional Resources
- WIS TV
- Wikipedia: Fatal Crash
- WMBF News
- Google Search: shooting death of Trey Wright
- Fox 13 News
- Google Scholar: South Carolina law on criminal charges
- WPDE
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Reckless Homicide
- WMBF News
- Google News: Florence County teen arrests
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.
