Florence County, South Carolina, August 19, 2025
News Summary
In an alarming case from Florence County, nine teenagers have been charged for their involvement in the murder of 16-year-old Trey Dean Wright. The incident occurred when Wright was lured to a rural area by his girlfriend, leading to a fatal confrontation with an armed rival. The primary suspect, 19-year-old Devan Scott Raper, is charged with murder. Authorities emphasize the premeditated nature of the crime and the substantial involvement of the other suspects, raising serious concerns over youth violence in the community.
Florence County, South Carolina: Nine Teens Arrested in Murder of Trey Dean Wright
In a shocking turn of events, nine teenagers have been charged in connection with the murder of 16-year-old Trey Dean Wright, found shot multiple times on June 24 in Florence County, approximately 45 miles west of Myrtle Beach. The tragic incident has drawn significant attention, largely due to the involvement of several young suspects, including Wright’s own girlfriend.
The series of events leading to the murder was reportedly meticulously orchestrated, with Wright being lured to a rural area under false pretenses. His girlfriend, Gianna Kistenmacher, allegedly set up the meeting, which turned fatal when Wright encountered an armed rival.
Details of the Incident
On the evening of June 24, Wright was shot by 19-year-old Devan Scott Raper from Conway during an altercation stemming from a romantic rivalry. Following the shooting, Raper was arrested on June 25 and is currently charged with murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. He is being held without bond.
Authorities emphasized that Raper did not act independently. Alongside him, eight other teens were arrested for their participation in planning the ambush and allegedly recording the incident. Raper’s actions were reportedly premeditated, with investigations revealing that some teenagers filmed the murder, although it is unclear if the video footage has been recovered.
Involvement of the Victim’s Girlfriend
Kistenmacher, aged 17, has been charged as an accessory before the fact, accused of inviting Raper to the scene while aware that he was armed and likely to engage in violence.
Charges Against Other Suspects
Among the other suspects charged include 18-year-olds Corrine Belviso and Hunter Kendall, as well as 17-year-old Sydney Kearns, who face similar charges as adults. Four additional suspects remain unnamed due to their juvenile status.
Ongoing Investigation and Community Impact
Investigators from the Florence County Sheriff’s Office stated that the arrested individuals played significant roles in ensuring Raper was brought to the location of the confrontation. Major Michael Nunn emphasized their complicity in the planning and execution of the act that ultimately led to Wright’s death.
Sheriff T.J. Joye noted that the motive behind the murder traces back to a romantic rivalry, culminating in a tragic loss for the community and severe legal repercussions for those involved. In the wake of this incident, Wright’s mother has publicly expressed her distress over the slow-moving legal process, highlighting the emotional burden she and her family have had to endure since the loss of their son.
As the investigation continues, the Florence County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to ensuring justice for Trey Dean Wright.
Jail Status Update
According to jail records, Kendall is still being held without bond, while Belviso and Kearns were released on $20,000 bonds.
Conclusion
The events surrounding Trey Dean Wright’s murder reveal deep-rooted issues amongst youth and the ramifications of violent confrontations. As the case unfolds, the community is left grappling with the consequences of this tragic incident.
FAQ Section
What happened to Trey Dean Wright?
Trey Dean Wright was shot multiple times on June 24, 2023, in Florence County, South Carolina, after being lured to a rural area by his girlfriend as part of a setup involving a confrontation with an armed rival.
Who is charged in connection with Wright’s murder?
A total of nine teenagers have been charged, including 19-year-old Devan Scott Raper, who is accused of shooting Wright, and his girlfriend Gianna Kistenmacher, who has been charged as an accessory before the fact.
What is the motive behind the murder?
The motive for the murder stems from a romantic rivalry, leading to a confrontation over an argument related to a girl.
What charges are the arrested teenagers facing?
The teenagers face several charges, including murder, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, and being an accessory before the fact.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Victim | Trey Dean Wright, 16 |
| Incident Date | June 24, 2023 |
| Number of Suspects | Nine teenagers |
| Primary Suspect | Devan Scott Raper, 19 |
| Girlfriend’s Involvement | Gianna Kistenmacher, 17, charged as accessory |
| Motive | Romantic rivalry |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Fox 4 News: Nine Teens Charged in Deadly South Carolina Shooting
- People: South Carolina Teen Killed in Love Triangle Killing
- New York Post: Victim’s Girlfriend Among 9 South Carolina Teens Arrested
- WIS TV: Nine Suspects Charged in Florence County Teen’s Shooting Death
- Hindustan Times: Who Was Trey Dean Wright?
- Wikipedia: South Carolina
- Google Search: Trey Dean Wright
- Google Scholar: Trey Dean Wright Shooting
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Florence County
- Google News: Trey Dean Wright Murder
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.
