Florence County, SC — Nine teenagers have been arrested in connection with the June shooting death of 16-year-old Trey Dean Wright, officials said, following what authorities describe as an argument “over a girl.”
Victim Found Fatally Shot
On June 24, Florence County Sheriff’s deputies discovered Wright dead on First Neck Road in Johnsonville, about 45 miles west of Myrtle Beach, with multiple gunshot wounds. The following day, deputies arrested 19-year-old Devan Scott Raper of Conway, who allegedly shot Wright after the argument. At least one teen reportedly recorded the slaying on video.
“All this court hearing and bond court and stuff is driving me crazy,” Wright’s mother, Ashley Lindsey, told Fox News Digital. “I don’t even have time to sit down and think half the time, on top of losing my precious baby.”
Group of Teens Allegedly Complicit
Authorities say a group of teens, many of them juveniles, played a role in the incident by setting up Wright and bringing Raper to the scene, knowing he was armed. Among them was Wright’s 17-year-old girlfriend, Gianna Kistenmacher, who was charged as an accessory before the fact.
“They were complicit in bringing the armed codefendant, Raper, to the incident location and knowing that there would be a confrontation,” said Maj. Michael Nunn of the Florence County Sheriff’s Office. “They knew that Raper had presented a firearm to the victim and made threats to shoot him, according to the arrest warrants.”
Three additional teens from the Myrtle Beach area—Hunter Kendall (18), Corrine Belviso (18), and Sydney Kearns (17)—were later charged with murder, according to WBTW.
“The hand of one being the hand of all is part of South Carolina law as well, so that’s the basis of the charge for each of those individuals,” Maj. Nunn told the station.
Charges and Bond Information
- Raper: Murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime, held without bond
- Kendall: Held without bond
- Belviso and Kearns: Posted $20,000 surety bonds and released pending trial
Sheriff T.J. Joye said the fatal shooting stemmed from a romantic rivalry:
“They had issues with each other, and it was over a female. The sad thing is, you got a 16-year-old that lost his life. You’ve got a 19-year-old who is going to be in jail the rest of his life. Over what?”
The investigation is ongoing, and the sheriff’s office is urging anyone with information about the case to come forward.
What are your thoughts on this case? Let us know in the comments.
