Teen Charged with Murder in Johnsonville Shooting

News Summary

A 19-year-old has been charged with the murder of 16-year-old Trey Dean Wright, who was fatally shot after a verbal altercation on June 24. The incident escalated into violence and has raised concerns about youth violence in the community. The accused, Devan Scott Raper, has been denied bond and is awaiting trial. The tragedy has deeply affected the Johnsonville community, as they mourn the loss of a promising young life. Investigations are ongoing, with potential for further arrests.

Johnsonville – A 19-year-old has been charged with the murder of a 16-year-old boy, Trey Dean Wright, who was fatally shot on the night of June 24 near Johnsonville. The Florence County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the shooting took place around 11:30 p.m. on First Neck Road, where deputies found Wright lying on the roadway with multiple gunshot wounds.

Wright was subsequently transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The Florence County Coroner, Keith Von Lutcken, identified him as the victim. The following day, June 25, Devan Scott Raper, a resident of Conway, was arrested and charged with murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime.

According to investigators, the incident stemmed from a verbal altercation between Raper and Wright, reportedly over a girl. Authorities have noted that the situation escalated into violence, and it has been revealed that the altercation was captured on video. Law enforcement officials characterized the incident as a dispute between two individuals rather than a random act of violence.

Currently, Raper has been denied bond and is being held at the Florence County Detention Center. His next court appearance is scheduled for August 19. The investigation remains ongoing, and additional arrests in connection with the case could still occur.

Community Impact and Reactions

The community has expressed profound grief over the loss of Wright, who was a student at Florence School District 5 and worked at Vox Deer Processing. Residents and peers have highlighted his positive character and the impact he made during his young life.

Details on the Arrest

Law enforcement agencies involved in the apprehension of Raper included the Horry County Police Department and the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force. Prior to this incident, Raper had been arrested on accessory charges in August 2024, but those charges were eventually dismissed in February after witnesses refused to cooperate with the case.

Context of Violence in the Area

This tragic event has heightened concerns about youth violence in the region. Incidents involving firearms continue to cause alarm among local communities, prompting calls for more proactive measures to prevent such occurrences. The Johnsonville community is left to grapple with the aftermath of this incident as they mourn the loss of a young life.

As the case unfolds, law enforcement officials continue to encourage anyone with additional information regarding the shooting to come forward, hoping to ensure justice for Trey Dean Wright and his grieving family.

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HERE Resources

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Additional Resources

• WPDE News
• Wikipedia: Johnsonville, South Carolina
• WMBF News
• Google Search: Johnsonville shooting
• WBTW News
• Google Scholar: Youth violence South Carolina
• Post and Courier News
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun Violence
• WMBF News Update
• Google News: Florence County shooting