Florence County, South Carolina, August 19, 2025
News Summary
In a shocking turn of events, nine teenagers have been arrested in Florence County, South Carolina, concerning the murder of 16-year-old Trey Dean Wright. The main suspect, 19-year-old Devan Scott Raper, has been charged with murder after allegedly shooting Wright following a confrontation tied to a romantic dispute. Authorities revealed that others, including Wright’s girlfriend, Gianna Kistenmacher, also played roles in the incident. This tragic case has raised concerns regarding youth violence and accountability among teenagers involved.
Florence, South Carolina: Teenagers Arrested in Connection with Murder
Authorities in Florence County, South Carolina, have arrested nine teenagers in connection with the murder of 16-year-old Trey Dean Wright, who was found dead on June 24, 2023. Wright sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was discovered on First Neck Road, with initial reports indicating that his murder was a result of a planned confrontation.
Central to the case is 19-year-old Devan Scott Raper, who has been charged with the murder of Wright. Raper allegedly shot Wright following a verbal altercation that revolved around a romantic dispute. He was apprehended the day after the incident and is currently being held without bond on charges of murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime.
Adding to the series of events, Wright’s girlfriend, 17-year-old Gianna Kistenmacher, has been implicated in the situation. She is accused of drawing Wright to the location where he was shot, reportedly with prior knowledge that Raper was armed and ready for confrontation. Kistenmacher faces charges as an accessory before the fact due to her alleged involvement in instigating the conflict.
Witnesses at the scene reported that at least one teenager filmed Wright as he lay dying, raising concerns about the actions of those present during the incident. Additionally, eight other teenagers have been arrested for their involvement in the alleged murder plot. The charges against these individuals vary, with some being accused of aiding the homicide and providing information regarding Wright’s whereabouts to Raper.
Among those arrested are 18-year-olds Corrine Belviso and Hunter Kendall, as well as 17-year-old Sydney Kearns. The specific roles of these individuals in the murder are yet to be fully revealed. There are also four additional suspects, who are minors and remain unidentified in public records.
Officials from the Florence County Sheriff’s Office made it clear that the decision to charge the teenagers followed consultations with the solicitor’s office. Major Michael Nunn emphasized that many of those charged were complicit in aiding Raper in locating Wright, knowing full well that a confrontation would take place. The serious nature of the crime and the age of those involved have drawn significant attention from community leaders.
Florence County Sheriff TJ Joye characterized the events as tragic, noting that the murder stemmed from a romantic rivalry and involved young people who had not fully grasped the severity of their actions. Investigators have indicated that they anticipate one more teenager to surrender to authorities in relation to the case.
The investigation continues to unfold as local officials work to address the impact of this tragic event on the community and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Trey Dean Wright?
Trey Dean Wright, a 16-year-old boy, was found dead on June 24, 2023, in Florence County, South Carolina, after suffering multiple gunshot wounds in what authorities believe was a planned confrontation.
Who were the main suspects arrested?
The main suspects arrested include 19-year-old Devan Scott Raper, charged with murder, and 17-year-old Gianna Kistenmacher, charged as an accessory before the fact. Eight other teenagers have also been arrested for their involvement.
What charges are the other teenagers facing?
The other arrested teenagers face various charges associated with the murder plot, including aiding Raper’s actions and alerting him to Wright’s location.
Key Features of the Case
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Victim | Trey Dean Wright, 16 years old |
| Date of Incident | June 24, 2023 |
| Primary Suspect | Devan Scott Raper, 19 years old |
| Charges against Raper | Murder, possession of a weapon during a violent crime |
| Accessory Charges | Gianna Kistenmacher, 17 years old |
| Number of Arrested Teens | 9 total, including 4 minors |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- UNILAD: Trey Dean Wright – 10th Teen to Surrender in Murder Case
- Wikipedia: Trey Dean Wright
- Hindustan Times: Who Was Trey Dean Wright?
- Google Search: Trey Dean Wright Murder
- New York Post: 10th Teen Expected to Surrender
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Trey Dean Wright
- Hindustan Times: What We Know About Trey Dean Wright’s Murder
- Google News: Trey Dean Wright
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.
