Florence, SC, August 18, 2025
News Summary
Nine teenagers have been arrested in connection with the murder of 16-year-old Trey Dean Wright in Florence, South Carolina. The main suspect, 19-year-old Devan Scott Raper, is accused of fatally shooting Wright during a dispute linked to a romantic rivalry. Authorities indicate that other teens played various roles in the crime, including facilitating the incident. The arrests have sent shockwaves through the community, highlighting concerns about conflict resolution among youth.
Florence, South Carolina – Nine teenagers have been arrested in connection with the murder of 16-year-old Trey Dean Wright, whose body was discovered on June 24, 2023. Wright was found with multiple gunshot wounds on First Neck Road, located approximately 45 miles west of Myrtle Beach. The main suspect, 19-year-old Devan Scott Raper from Conway, is accused of shooting Wright during a dispute over a romantic relationship.
Authorities reported that Raper was apprehended the day after Wright’s body was found. Investigators indicated that he did not act alone and charged eight other teens with various roles in the murder plot, including setting up the incident and filming it. Raper faces serious charges, including murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime, and is currently being held without bond.
Among those arrested is Gianna Kistenmacher, a 17-year-old and Wright’s girlfriend, who allegedly facilitated the confrontation by inviting Raper, who was known to be armed, to the meeting. Kistenmacher has been charged as an accessory before the fact. In addition to Kistenmacher, authorities have charged Corrine Belviso and Hunter Kendall, both 18, along with 17-year-old Sydney Kearns. Four other suspects, still minors, have not been publicly identified.
Major Michael Nunn of the Florence County Sheriff’s Office stated that all arrested teens were involved in bringing Raper to the scene, knowing that a weapon would be present. Raper had previously made threats to shoot Wright, making the confrontation tragically predictable. The motive behind the murder has been linked to a romantic rivalry involving the victim, Wright, and Kistenmacher.
Sheriff T.J. Joye expressed sorrow over the loss of Wright, highlighting the tragic waste of young life stemming from such conflict. Kendall, like Raper, is also being held without bond on related charges, while Belviso and Kearns secured their release by posting $20,000 bonds pending their trial.
Authorities are anticipating the surrender of a tenth suspect related to the plot. In the wake of this tragedy, a GoFundMe page has been created to support Wright’s family with funeral expenses, where he is described as a “kind soul who touched many lives.” Wright was recognized as a rising sophomore at Johnsonville High School and was heavily involved in both football and baseball.
The incident has stirred deep grief and concern within the family and the broader community, emphasizing the need for increased focus on conflict resolution among the youth. This case continues to develop as more information about the suspects and circumstances surrounding the murder emerge.
Key Facts
- Victim: Trey Dean Wright, 16 years old
- Location: First Neck Road, Florence County
- Main Suspect: Devan Scott Raper, 19, charged with murder
- Other Suspects: Eight others, including Wright’s girlfriend, Gianna Kistenmacher, 17
- Motive: Romantic rivalry
- Charges: Murder, possession of a weapon during a violent crime
FAQ Section
What led to the arrest of the nine teenagers?
The arrests resulted from the murder of Trey Dean Wright, where 19-year-old Devan Scott Raper allegedly shot him during a confrontation over a girl. Raper was not alone; eight others assisted in setting up the murder.
What are the charges against the main suspect?
Devan Scott Raper is facing charges of murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime.
Who else was involved in the murder plot?
Eight other teenagers were charged, including Wright’s girlfriend, Gianna Kistenmacher, who is accused of recruiting Raper and instigating the confrontation.
What is the community’s response to this incident?
The incident has caused significant grief in the community, with many expressing sorrow over the loss of a young life due to issues related to romantic rivalry among teenagers.
Chart of Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Arrests | 9 |
| Victim’s Age | 16 |
| Main Suspect Age | 19 |
| Charges Faced by Main Suspect | Murder, Possession of a weapon during a violent crime |
| Motive | Romantic rivalry |
| Community Action | GoFundMe for funeral expenses |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Nine Teenagers Arrested in Connection with Murder of Trey Dean Wright
Nine Teenagers Arrested in Johnsonville Murder Case
Teen Denied Bond After Violent Police Chase in Myrtle Beach
Nine Teenagers Charged in Myrtle Beach Shooting Case
Gun Incident at Myrtle Beach Middle School Raises Concerns
Deadly Shooting at Juneteenth Celebration in Anderson County
Georgetown Judge Announces Retirement After Domestic Violence Arrest
South Carolina Appeals Court Upholds $20 Million Verdict Against Beach Service
Tragic Shooting at Juneteenth Celebration in South Carolina
Stephen Stanko Executed in South Carolina for Double Murder
Additional Resources
- WBTW: 8 Now Face Charges in Killing of Johnsonville Teenager Trey Wright
- Fox 4 News: 9 Teens Charged in Deadly South Carolina Shooting
- WPDE: Johnsonville Teen Gianna Kistenmacher Murder Charge
- Hindustan Times: Who Was Trey Dean Wright?
- New York Post: Victim’s Girlfriend Among 9 South Carolina Teens Arrested
- Wikipedia: Murder in the United States
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Crime
- Google Search: Florence South Carolina murder
- Google Scholar: Teen Violence
- Google News: South Carolina Teen 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.
