Johnsonville, South Carolina, August 17, 2025
News Summary
In a shocking incident in Johnsonville, South Carolina, nine teenagers have been charged in connection with the fatal shooting of 16-year-old Trey Dean Wright. The conflict, stemming from an argument over a girl, escalated rapidly, resulting in deadly violence. Authorities have named a 19-year-old as the alleged shooter and revealed that some suspects recorded the altercation. The case highlights an unsettling trend of youth violence, raising questions about its causes.
Johnsonville, South Carolina – Nine teens have been charged in the shooting death of Trey Dean Wright, a 16-year-old who was fatally shot on June 24, 2025. The tragic incident unfolded after an argument over a girl, escalating into violence that claimed Wright’s life.
Wright was discovered dead on First Neck Road, located approximately 45 miles west of Myrtle Beach, with multiple gunshot wounds. The investigation quickly identified Devan Scott Raper, a 19-year-old from Conway, as the alleged shooter. Raper was apprehended the day after the shooting, marking the start of a broader investigation into the incident.
During the inquiry, authorities revealed that at least one of the suspects recorded the violent encounter on video. Among those charged is Gianna Kistenmacher, Wright’s 17-year-old girlfriend, who is accused of being an accessory before the fact. Kistenmacher allegedly brought Raper to the scene knowing he was armed and intent on harming Wright. This suggests that the confrontation was premeditated as the involved teens were aware that their altercation could escalate into violence.
Additional arrests followed as investigators sifted through the evidence. Authorities have stated that three more teens were charged with murder: Hunter Kendall (18), Corrine Belviso (18), and Sydney Kearns (17). In accordance with South Carolina law, all suspects involved in the crime are charged as adults based on the principle known as “the hand of one being the hand of all.”
Raper and Kendall are being held without bond, while Belviso and Kearns were granted release upon posting $20,000 bonds pending trial. The numerous charges filed against the group highlight the seriousness of the crime and the collaborative nature of the alleged actions surrounding it.
Wright’s mother, Ashley Lindsey, shared her profound distress as she navigates the court proceedings following her son’s tragic death. The law enforcement officials have labeled the case unusual due to the number of teenage suspects involved and the circumstances leading to Wright’s death.
Moreover, an unnamed sixth suspect, who is younger than 17, is also facing murder charges in connection with the shooting; however, this individual has not been publicly identified. While the sheriff’s office has refrained from commenting on specific motives for the confrontation, they acknowledged the tragic outcome of the situation.
Background Context
This incident adds to an unsettling trend of youth violence impacting communities across the nation. It raises questions about the factors contributing to such lethal confrontations among teenagers, particularly those stemming from romantic disagreements.
Local authorities continue to investigate the shooting, and additional details are expected to emerge as the legal proceedings advance. The community of Johnsonville is left grappling with the implications of this violence as families mourn and seek answers.
FAQ
- What happened to Trey Dean Wright?
- Trey Dean Wright was fatally shot during an argument involving romance among teens, leading to the arrest of nine individuals.
- Who is Devan Scott Raper?
- Devan Scott Raper is a 19-year-old arrested as the alleged shooter in the case of Trey Dean Wright’s death.
- How many teens have been charged?
- A total of nine teenagers have been charged in connection with Trey Dean Wright’s shooting, including three additional suspects charged with murder.
- What is the status of the suspects?
- Raper and Hunter Kendall are held without bond, while Corrine Belviso and Sydney Kearns were released after posting $20,000 bonds.
- Is there a minor involved in the case?
- Yes, there is an unnamed sixth suspect who is younger than 17 and also facing murder charges.
Chart: Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Incident | June 24, 2025 |
| Location | First Neck Road, Johnsonville, SC |
| Total Arrested | 9 Teens |
| Alleged Shooter | Devan Scott Raper (19) |
| Charged as Adults | Yes |
| Motive | Argument over a girl |
| Outcome for Wright | Deceased |
| Injured? | No additional injuries reported |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Fox News: Victim’s Girlfriend Among 9 Teens Arrested
- Wikipedia: South Carolina
- Post and Courier: Myrtle Beach Teens Charged with Murder
- Google Search: Teen Shooting Myrtle Beach
- WPDE: Suspect in Shooting Was Employee at Myrtle Beach Restaurant
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Youth Violence
- Myrtle Beach Online: Local News on Teen Shooting
- Google News: Myrtle Beach 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.
