Nine Teenagers Charged with Murder in Shooting Case

Johnsonville, S.C., August 20, 2025

News Summary

In a tragic incident in Johnsonville, S.C., nine teenagers have been charged with murder in connection to the shooting death of 16-year-old Trey Wright. The shooting occurred during a confrontation on June 24, with multiple suspects involved. Notably, the primary suspect, 19-year-old Devan Scott Raper, has been charged with murder and denied bond. Another suspect, 17-year-old Gianna Kistenmacher, faces upgraded charges. This case has garnered attention due to the high number of teenagers charged with such serious crimes, prompting an ongoing investigation by law enforcement.

Johnsonville, S.C. – Nine teenagers have been charged with murder in connection to the shooting death of 16-year-old Trey Wright, who was killed on June 24 in Johnsonville. The tragic incident took place on North First Neck Road, where Wright was discovered lying in the roadway with multiple gunshot wounds.

Wright was reportedly shot twice in the lower chest during a confrontation. The Florence County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Devan Scott Raper, 19, of Conway, has been arrested and charged with murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. Investigators state that Raper shot Wright following a verbal altercation between the two.

In addition to Raper, 17-year-old Gianna Helene Kistenmacher from Myrtle Beach has been arrested and her charges have been upgraded from accessory before the fact of a felony to murder. Authorities allege that Kistenmacher brought Raper to the scene, being aware that he was armed and anticipating a violent confrontation.

During court proceedings, a Circuit Court Judge denied bond for Raper, emphasizing the severity of the charges. Kistenmacher was released on bond under strict conditions, and her next detention hearing is scheduled within ten days.

Furthermore, three other teens from Myrtle Beach—Hunter Matthew Kendall, Corrinne Elizabeth Belviso, and Sydney Marissa Kearns, all aged 17 to 18—have also been charged with murder. The bond for Kearns, Belviso, and others was set at $20,000 each after a hearing presided over by Judge Williams Seals. In total, nine teenagers now face murder charges in connection with Wright’s death, including Braylyn Oneil Thompson and Jayden Blaze Auclaire, who were also arrested as part of the investigation.

It should be noted that two additional suspects in this case are minors, and their identities have not been made public due to legal protections for underage individuals. The Florence County Sheriff’s Office indicated that this incident is particularly unusual because of the high number of teenagers involved in such serious charges.

Wright’s mother, Ashley Lindsey, conveyed her profound sorrow and reiterated that her son is deeply missed. She has expressed a commitment to advocate for him as the case unfolds. Court documents reveal that the suspects allegedly coordinated to bring Raper to the scene, having previous knowledge of his firearm and threats made against Wright. Investigators are probing into possible motives behind the shooting, with initial assessments suggesting a potential romantic rivalry may have sparked the conflict.

The investigation into the incident is still ongoing, with law enforcement agencies examining various facets of the case to compile comprehensive evidence against the suspects.

FAQ

• What happened to Trey Wright?

  Wright was shot and killed on June 24 in Johnsonville, S.C. during a confrontation.

• How many teenagers have been charged?

  A total of nine teenagers have been charged with murder related to Wright’s death.

• Who is Devan Scott Raper?

  Raper is a 19-year-old from Conway accused of shooting Trey Wright and was denied bond.

• What charges have been brought against Gianna Kistenmacher?

  Kistenmacher was initially charged as an accessory and has since had her charge upgraded to murder.

• Are there any minors involved?

  Yes, two of the suspects charged are minors, and their identities are protected.

Key Features of the Incident

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Additional Resources

• WBTW News
• Post and Courier
• Fox4 News
• People Magazine
• WMBF News
• Wikipedia: Teen Homicide
• Encyclopedia Britannica: 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.