Nine Teenagers Arrested in Murder of South Carolina Student Trey Dean Wright

South Carolina teen Trey Dean Wright, 16, was shot dead in June following a confrontation fueled by a romantic dispute. Nine teenagers, including his girlfriend, were arrested for their roles in the scheme. The case has left the community stunned, with officials calling the killing a tragic and needless loss.

The brutal murder of 16-year-old Trey Dean Wright has shocked South Carolina after authorities revealed that nine teenagers, including his girlfriend, were involved in luring him to his death. Wright, a rising sophomore at Johnsonville High School, was found dead on June 24 with multiple gunshot wounds on First Neck Road in Florence County.

Investigators said the killing stemmed from a romantic dispute. Devan Scott Raper, 19, of Conway, was arrested as the primary suspect and accused of fatally shooting Wright during an argument about a girl. Florence County Sheriff’s Office stated that Raper did not act alone.

In the weeks following the crime, eight other teenagers were charged with various roles in the plot, including setting up the confrontation and even recording the murder. Among them was Wright’s 17-year-old girlfriend, Giann Kistenmacher, who allegedly brought Raper to meet Wright, fully aware that Raper was armed.

Authorities identified some of the other suspects as 18-year-olds Corrine Belviso and Hunter Kendall, and 17-year-old Sydney Kearns. Four additional suspects have not been named publicly. Officials say the group knowingly facilitated the fatal encounter, despite threats made by Raper beforehand.

Wright’s obituary described him as a beloved athlete who played varsity football and baseball, enjoyed the outdoors, and was admired for his infectious smile. He also worked at Vox Deer Processing and was remembered as a kind soul who touched many lives.

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Sheriff T.J. Joye called the case a senseless tragedy, noting that a teenager lost his life while another will likely spend his life behind bars—all over a romantic rivalry. Raper remains in custody without bond, along with Kendall. Belviso and Kearns were released on bond, while others await trial.