South Carolina Teen Shot Dead 'Over a Girl': Latest Updates on Trey Dean Wright's Murder

In rural Florence County, South Carolina, grief has gripped the community following the brutal murder of 16-year-old Trey Dean Wright.

In a fresh development, a tenth teenager is expected to surrender imminently in the case surrounding the fatal June shooting of the 16-year-old boy.

Authorities have identified ten teenagers and arrested nine of them, including the girlfriend in the murder case of Wright, who was lured to a secluded road, where a deadly confrontation erupted over the girl, leaving the promising young athlete fatally shot on 24 June 2025.

Shockingly, investigators say several teenagers filmed the killing on their phones.

The Deadly Setup

According to the Florence County Sheriff's Office, Wright's girlfriend allegedly arranged for him to meet at an isolated spot, where a group of teenagers had already gathered. There, Wright came face to face with Devan Scott Raper, 19, who had previously threatened him with a firearm.

The situation escalated into a heated row over a girl. Witnesses reportedly recorded the altercation as Raper fired multiple shots, striking Wright and killing him instantly.

Police say that as the two argued, at least one teen in the group began filming. The recording continued as Raper allegedly fired multiple shots, hitting and killing Wright.

The First Arrests

Raper was apprehended on June 25, the day after Wright's body was found. In the following weeks, eight more teenagers were charged with various crimes for allegedly helping to orchestrate the murder. According to News 13, a tenth person is also expected to surrender shortly.

Raper faces charges of homicide and weapon possession, while Gianna Kistenmacher, Wright's 17-year-old girlfriend, is charged with being an accessory before the fact.

The sheriff's office claims Kistenmacher was aware that Raper was armed and purposely provoked a confrontation between the two. Following her arrest, Kistenmacher was released on bond and placed under home confinement.

A Web of Suspects

Among the other suspects taken into custody and charged were 18-year-olds Hunter Kendall and Corrine Belviso, as well as 17-year-old Sydney Kearns. The specific roles they allegedly played in the murder have not yet been made clear.

Four more people have been charged, but as they are minors, their names have not been made public. Major Michael Nunn of the Florence County Sheriff's Office stated that the choice to charge so many teenagers in connection with the death was not one they made easily.

'The decision was made, again with investigators, in consultation with the solicitor's office to charge each of them,' Nunn told News 13. 'The hand of one being the hand of all is part of South Carolina law as well, so that's the basis of the charge for each of those individuals,' he added.

Remembering Trey Dean Wright

A GoFundMe campaign created to help Wright's family with funeral and other costs describes the teenager as 'a kind soul who touched so many lives.' An online obituary states he was the son of Richard Dean Wright and Ashley Nicole Lindsey.

According to the obituary, 'A rising sophomore at Johnsonville High School, Trey was a proud varsity athlete, playing both football and baseball. He was a true outdoorsman who loved riding dirt bikes, spending time in nature, and living life to the fullest.'

'Known for his infectious smile and ability to make everyone laugh, Trey was the kind of person who left a lasting impression on those around him. In addition to his studies and sports, Trey worked at Vox Deer Processing.'

The Bigger Picture

The case has sparked renewed debate about youth violence, the influence of peer pressure, and how social media fuels dangerous confrontations.

With ten teenagers now entangled in a single murder case, Florence County residents are left to grapple with the devastating ripple effects of one tragic decision.