Johnsonville, SC, August 17, 2025

News Summary

In Johnsonville, South Carolina, nine teenagers have been arrested in connection to the murder of 16-year-old Trey Dean Wright, who was shot during a dispute over a romantic rivalry. The primary suspect, Devan Scott Raper, and six others face serious charges. This incident has raised significant concerns about youth violence and gun proliferation in the community. Local authorities are continuing their investigation and are seeking additional suspects who may have been involved.

Johnsonville, South Carolina

Nine teenagers have been arrested in connection to the murder of Trey Dean Wright, a 16-year-old who was fatally shot on June 24, 2025. Wright’s body was discovered on First Neck Road, approximately 45 miles west of Myrtle Beach, with multiple gunshot wounds.

The violence reportedly arose from an argument between Wright and Devan Scott Raper, a 19-year-old from Conway, stemming from a romantic rivalry. Raper was arrested the day after the incident and charged with murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime.

In addition to Raper, five other teenagers have been implicated in the crime, which includes Hunter Kendall (18), Corrine Belviso (18), Sydney Kearns (17), and Gianna Kistenmacher (17), who is identified as Wright’s girlfriend. Initially, Kistenmacher was charged as an accessory before the fact for allegedly bringing Raper to the scene knowing he was armed, but her charge was later upgraded to murder.

Two of the suspects are juveniles, and their identities have not been released. This brings the total number of teens charged in connection to the case to nine. Investigations indicate that some suspects may have recorded the murder on video.

The Florence County Sheriff’s Office revealed that the shooters were aware that the confrontation could escalate into violence. Currently, Raper, Kendall, Belviso, and Kearns are held without bond. In contrast, Kistenmacher and others managed to post bonds of $20,000 and have been released while awaiting trial.

Authorities have indicated that there may be additional suspects involved, including another juvenile who is only identified through a warrant. Sheriff T.J. Joye emphasized the unusually high number of teenagers charged in the murder of another adolescent, marking this case as particularly concerning.

Details of the Incident

The fatal altercation involving Trey Wright reportedly occurred after a heated dispute broke out over a romantic interest. The conflict led to a violent confrontation, resulting in Wright’s death from multiple gunshot wounds. The scene of the crime has raised alarms among local authorities, prompting them to investigate the circumstances surrounding the case more closely.

Impact on the Community

The murder of a young individual has deeply impacted the Johnsonville community, raising concerns over youth violence and the proliferation of guns among teenagers. Local leaders and residents are now calling for increased awareness and preventive measures to tackle these issues, highlighting the urgent need for community support systems aimed at addressing conflict resolution among the youth.

Legal Proceedings

As the legal process unfolds, the sheriffs’ office and the community watch closely. The teenagers involved in the case face severe repercussions, and authorities are working diligently to ensure justice for Trey Wright. With potential additional suspects, the investigation remains ongoing, and more developments may occur as law enforcement continues to piece together the events that led to this tragic outcome.

Additional Context

This incident serves as a grim reminder of the serious consequences that can arise from conflicts among youths, particularly regarding firearms. The involvement of so many young individuals in a murder case brings forward critical questions about peer influence, social responsibility, and the need for comprehensive programs targeting youth education and mental health.

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Key Features of the Incident

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Nine Teenagers Charged in Myrtle Beach Shooting Case
Shooting at Myrtle Beach Restaurant Claims Teen’s Life

Additional Resources

• Post and Courier
• Wikipedia: Youth violence
• Fox News
• Google Search: Youth violence South Carolina
• WBTW
• Google Scholar: Youth violence prevention
• SCNow
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Youth violence
• QC News
• Google News: Johnsonville South Carolina murder

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.