Myrtle Beach, South Carolina – A group of nine teens from the Myrtle Beach area have been charged in connection with the tragic shooting death of 16-year-old Trey Dean Wright. The victim, a resident of Johnsonville, South Carolina, was shot multiple times on June 24, 2025, and found dead on First Neck Road, roughly 45 miles west of Myrtle Beach. Authorities report that the shooting stemmed from an argument involving Wright and one of the suspects over a romantic dispute, and it has since sparked a broader investigation, leading to several arrests.

A Teenager’s Life Lost Over a Rivalry

Trey Wright’s death has left his family and the community devastated. Wright, a bright and full-of-life teenager, was well-loved by his family and friends. His death is especially tragic considering how young he was—his life was stolen away in what authorities say was an entirely preventable incident. The argument that led to his death, according to the Florence County Sheriff’s Office, was centered on a romantic rivalry over Wright’s girlfriend, 17-year-old Gianna Kistenmacher, one of the suspects involved.

As new details have emerged, investigators say that the shooting did not happen in isolation. The police allege that Wright’s girlfriend, Kistenmacher, played a significant role in bringing the shooter, 19-year-old Devan Raper, to the scene, knowing that Raper was armed and likely to kill her boyfriend. According to arrest warrants, Kistenmacher was charged as an accessory before the fact for her role in the fatal shooting.

The Events Leading Up to the Shooting

On June 24, Wright’s life ended in the middle of a confrontation on First Neck Road. Investigators say that Raper, who was involved in an ongoing argument with Wright over Kistenmacher, had made threats to the 16-year-old prior to the shooting. Authorities claim that Raper had previously presented a firearm to Wright and threatened to shoot him during the altercation. Despite these prior threats, the situation escalated when Raper arrived at the scene, allegedly spurred on by Kistenmacher’s actions.

According to the Florence County Sheriff’s Office, Kistenmacher, knowing that Raper was armed and intent on causing harm, invited him to the location where the dispute was set to take place. Investigators noted that she had knowledge of the conflict’s severity and the potential for violence. However, she reportedly failed to intervene and, instead, brought Raper to the confrontation point, effectively setting the stage for Wright’s death.

What followed was a deadly exchange that ended with Trey Wright succumbing to multiple gunshot wounds. As Wright lay dying on the ground, the suspects scattered, and one of the teens allegedly recorded the fatal shooting on video. Authorities have confirmed that this footage is now part of the evidence being used in the ongoing investigation.

The Arrests and Charges

In the days following the fatal shooting, authorities worked tirelessly to arrest those involved in the crime. Initially, Raper, the alleged shooter, was apprehended the day after the incident. The 19-year-old, from Conway, South Carolina, was charged with murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. He is currently being held without bond.

The investigation deepened in the weeks following the shooting as deputies from the Florence County Sheriff’s Department continued to arrest additional individuals involved in the crime. These included both juveniles and young adults, many of whom were implicated for their roles in either setting up the confrontation or assisting Raper in some way.

Among the new arrests were three more suspects: 18-year-olds Hunter Kendall and Corrine Belviso, as well as 17-year-old Sydney Kearns. These teens have all been charged under South Carolina law with aiding and abetting Raper. The authorities believe that the teens knew about the armed confrontation that was about to take place and that they were complicit in bringing Raper to the scene.

“They knew that Raper had presented a firearm to the victim and made threats to shoot him,” said Maj. Michael Nunn of the Florence County Sheriff’s Office. “The hand of one being the hand of all is part of South Carolina law, and that’s the basis of the charges for each of those individuals.”

The legal concept referred to here is “joint responsibility,” where individuals who assist or encourage a crime can be held equally accountable, regardless of their direct involvement in the act. As a result, each of the nine teens facing charges, including those who didn’t directly pull the trigger, are being charged with murder and related offenses.

The Alleged Set-Up: A Community in Shock

The arrest of Kistenmacher, Wright’s own girlfriend, has added an element of personal betrayal to the tragedy. According to investigators, Kistenmacher not only facilitated the arrival of an armed Raper at the crime scene, but she also allegedly failed to stop the violence once it started. For those close to Wright, her involvement has been described as a devastating blow.

Family and friends have spoken out about their disbelief at the depth of betrayal. “She was supposed to be the one protecting him, not leading him to his death,” one friend of Wright’s said in an emotional interview.

The investigation has also raised broader questions about the influence of peer pressure, youthful indiscretion, and the breakdown of relationships that led to such a tragic outcome. “What were they thinking?” one local resident asked. “How could something like this happen to a kid so young over a girl?”

In the wake of the arrests, local law enforcement has pledged to continue pressing charges against all those involved in the incident. The sheriff’s office has emphasized that their investigation is ongoing and that additional charges could be forthcoming as new details emerge.

The Community Reacts to the Tragedy

The shooting death of Trey Wright has sent shockwaves through both his hometown of Johnsonville and the surrounding communities. Local residents have rallied around the Wright family, offering condolences and support during this painful time. A community vigil was held in honor of Wright, with attendees reflecting on the young life lost and the larger issues that led to the violence.

A spokesperson for the Florence County Sheriff’s Office stated that the community’s involvement has been crucial to the investigation. “We’ve had numerous tips from the community that have helped us put the pieces together,” said the spokesperson. “This is a tight-knit area, and people are outraged by what happened. It’s clear that the death of Trey Wright is something the whole community is struggling to come to terms with.”

The Legal Process: What’s Next?

With multiple arrests made and charges pending, the legal process is set to unfold over the coming months. The nine suspects—some of whom are juveniles—are expected to appear in court, and some could face lengthy prison sentences if convicted.

Raper, who is the primary suspect in the shooting, faces murder charges along with additional counts of possession of a weapon during a violent crime. He remains in custody without bond. The three additional teens arrested, Kendall, Belviso, and Kearns, each face serious charges, but their bail conditions differ, with some released on bond and others still awaiting trial.

A trial is expected to reveal more details about the role each suspect played in the crime and whether any of them acted as accomplices or were directly involved in the fatal shooting. It remains to be seen how the court will handle the juvenile suspects involved, as their charges may be handled differently than those of the adult defendants.

A Family Mourns a Son, a Community Feels the Loss

For Trey Wright’s family, the tragedy is compounded by the loss of their son, whom they describe as a loving, vibrant young man with so much potential. In interviews, Wright’s mother, Ashley Lindsey, shared her devastation, saying that the trial process has been emotionally exhausting for her and her family.

“All this court hearing and bond court and stuff is driving me crazy,” she said. “I don’t even have time to sit down and think half the time, on top of losing my precious baby.”

Despite their grief, Wright’s family is determined to seek justice for their son. They are working with local authorities to ensure that those responsible for his death are held accountable.

“I don’t want this to happen to anyone else’s child,” Lindsey added. “I just want justice for Trey.”

Closing:

As the investigation into the shooting death of Trey Wright continues, and as the legal process plays out, the entire community is left grappling with the tragic loss of a young life. Trey’s death is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by violent confrontations, particularly among young people caught in the midst of jealousy, rivalry, and poor decision-making.

The ongoing investigation and the forthcoming trials will undoubtedly shine a light on the complex circumstances surrounding the shooting and offer a sense of closure to a community still reeling from the loss.

This story is developing. Stay tuned for further updates as the case progresses.