Johnsonville, August 19, 2025
News Summary
In Johnsonville, nine teenagers have been arrested in connection with the murder of 16-year-old Trey Dean Wright. The primary suspect, 19-year-old Devan Scott Raper, allegedly shot Wright over a romantic dispute. Following the incident, eight additional teens were apprehended, including Wright’s girlfriend, who faces accessory charges. The investigation revealed a conspiracy fueled by jealousy and rivalry, raising concerns about youth violence in the community.
Johnsonville, South Carolina
Nine teenagers have been arrested in connection with the murder of 16-year-old Trey Dean Wright, who was found dead with multiple gunshot wounds on June 24, 2023, on First Neck Road. The primary suspect, 19-year-old Devan Scott Raper from Conway, is accused of fatally shooting Wright following a dispute over a romantic interest.
Raper was apprehended on June 25, just one day after the fatal incident. Authorities have alleged that he did not act alone, leading to a broader investigation that resulted in the arrests of eight additional teenagers. Among the suspects is Wright’s 17-year-old girlfriend, Gianna Kistenmacher, who faces charges for being an accessory before the fact. She is accused of facilitating the meeting between Raper and Wright, knowing that Raper was armed.
Law enforcement has stated that the conspiracy to harm Wright was fueled by a romantic rivalry involving Kistenmacher. The identified group includes 18-year-olds Corrine Belviso and Hunter Kendall, and 17-year-old Sydney Kearns. Four of the suspects are minors, and their identities have not been released publicly for legal reasons. A tenth individual, who is also a suspect, is expected to surrender to the authorities soon.
The charges against the suspects reveal that they allegedly set up Wright and recorded the encounter on video. While Raper faces serious charges including murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime, he is currently being held without bond. Kendall is also being detained without bond, whereas Belviso and Kearns have been released on $20,000 bonds pending trial. Kistenmacher has been granted bond and is now under home confinement.
Major Michael Nunn from the Florence County Sheriff’s Office has indicated that under South Carolina law, all members of the group will be held accountable for the actions of their peers. As the investigation continues, authorities are committed to ensuring justice is served amid this tragic case of youth violence stemming from personal conflict.
Sheriff T.J. Joye expressed deep sorrow over the circumstances surrounding Wright’s death and the impact on the families involved. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of conflicts between young people, particularly those centered around romantic relationships.
Background
The incident highlights a growing concern regarding youth violence and its roots in personal disputes. As communities grapple with the consequences, local law enforcement agencies are reminded of the need to engage proactively in preventing conflicts that could lead to violent crime.
FAQ Section
- What was the cause of Trey Dean Wright’s death?
Trey Dean Wright was found dead from multiple gunshot wounds, which authorities believe were inflicted by Devan Scott Raper during a dispute over a romantic interest.
- Who are the suspects arrested in connection with the murder?
The suspects include Devan Scott Raper, Gianna Kistenmacher, Corrine Belviso, Hunter Kendall, Sydney Kearns, as well as four unidentifiable minors. A tenth suspect is expected to surrender soon.
- What charges are the suspects facing?
Suspects face a variety of charges, including murder and accessory charges. Raper is specifically charged with murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime.
- What motivated the murder of Trey Dean Wright?
The motive for the killing has been determined to be a romantic rivalry over Wright’s girlfriend, Gianna Kistenmacher.
- What will happen next in the legal process for the suspects?
The legal proceedings will continue, with trials pending for those released on bond and additional actions expected for those held without bond.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Victim | Trey Dean Wright, 16 years old |
| Primary Suspect | Devan Scott Raper, 19 years old |
| Date of Incident | June 24, 2023 |
| Location | First Neck Road, Johnsonville |
| Motive | Romantic rivalry over Gianna Kistenmacher |
| Additional Arrests | Eight teenagers, including Kistenmacher |
| Charges Faced | Murder, accessory before the fact, conspiracy |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Nine Teens Arrested in Connection with Murder of Trey Wright
Nine Teenagers Arrested in Connection with Murder of Trey Dean Wright
Nine Teenagers Arrested in Johnsonville Murder Case
Nine Teenagers Charged in Myrtle Beach Shooting Case
Shooting at Myrtle Beach Restaurant Claims Teen’s Life
Additional Resources
- Fox 4 News
- Wikipedia: Youth Violence
- People
- Google Search: South Carolina teen murder
- New York Post
- Google Scholar: Teen Violence
- WISTV
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Murder
- Post and Courier
- Google News: South Carolina teens charged
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.
