Myrtle Beach, August 17, 2025
News Summary
In a tragic incident in Florence County, South Carolina, nine teenagers have been charged in connection with the fatal shooting of 16-year-old Trey Dean Wright. Alleged shooter Devan Scott Raper, 19, and his accomplices, including Wright’s girlfriend Gianna Kistenmacher, are facing serious charges as authorities reveal the shocking motivations behind the crime. The case highlights concerns over youth violence and its implications for those involved.
Florence County, South Carolina – Nine teenagers from the Myrtle Beach area are facing criminal charges linked to the shooting death of 16-year-old Trey Dean Wright. Wright was discovered with multiple gunshot wounds on June 24 on First Neck Road, located approximately 45 miles west of Myrtle Beach.
Devan Scott Raper, a 19-year-old, is the alleged shooter in this tragic incident. He was arrested the day after the shooting and has been charged with murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. Currently, Raper is being held without bond. The confrontation that led to Wright’s death is reported to have stemmed from a romantic rivalry involving Wright’s girlfriend.
Among those charged is 17-year-old Gianna Kistenmacher, Wright’s girlfriend, who is accused of acting as an accessory before the fact by allegedly bringing Raper to the scene while knowing he was armed. In addition to Kistenmacher, the investigation has resulted in charges against other teenagers, including 18-year-olds Corrine Belviso and Hunter Kendall, along with 17-year-old Sydney Kearns. All five minors are being charged as adults under South Carolina law due to the serious nature of their involvement in the crime.
Authorities have indicated that at least one of the teens may have recorded the incident via video. The Florence County Sheriff’s Office revealed that the suspects are believed to have colluded in bringing Raper to confront Wright, intensifying their legal repercussions. As a result, the charges against the teenagers have been escalated to murder based on their level of complicity in the fatal event. Currently, Kendall is also held without bond, whereas Belviso and Kearns were released on $20,000 bonds while awaiting trial.
The investigation remains active, with authorities indicating that one unnamed juvenile suspect is also likely to face similar charges, although their identity has been withheld due to their age. The tragic nature of the crime has led Sheriff T.J. Joye to express concern about the impact on the young lives involved, highlighting the devastating loss of Wright and the future now compromised for the charged suspects.
Background Context
The shooting incident underscores the growing concern around youth violence linked to personal conflicts and romantic relationships in South Carolina. Law enforcement officials are striving to address these issues as they unfold, emphasizing the importance of community awareness and intervention in preventing such tragic outcomes. The case has sparked discussions about teen violence and the legal consequences faced by minors involved in serious crimes.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | June 24 |
| Victim | Trey Dean Wright, 16 |
| Main Suspect | Devan Scott Raper, 19 |
| Accessory | Gianna Kistenmacher, 17 |
| Charges Filed | Murder, possession of a weapon during a violent crime |
| Additional Suspects | Corrine Belviso (18), Hunter Kendall (18), Sydney Kearns (17) |
| Legal Consequences | Charged as adults under South Carolina law |
| Current Bond Status | Raper and Kendall held without bond; Belviso and Kearns released on $20,000 bonds |
| Investigation Status | Ongoing; additional juvenile suspect potentially facing charges |
FAQ
What happened in the shooting incident involving Trey Wright?
Trey Dean Wright was shot and killed during a confrontation over a romantic rivalry involving his girlfriend, leading to the arrest of nine teenagers from the Myrtle Beach area.
Who is charged in connection with the crime?
The suspects include Devan Scott Raper, Gianna Kistenmacher, Corrine Belviso, Hunter Kendall, and Sydney Kearns. All have been charged and there are indications that additional juvenile suspects may also face charges.
What are the current bond statuses for the suspects?
Devan Raper and Hunter Kendall are held without bond, while Corrine Belviso and Sydney Kearns have been released on $20,000 bonds.
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Additional Resources
- Fox News
- Post and Courier
- New York Post
- WPDE
- WMBF News
- Wikipedia: Victims of Crimes
- Google Search: Myrtle Beach shooting
- Google Scholar: Youth Violence in South Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Crime
- Google News: Myrtle Beach shooting
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
