Authorities in South Carolina say a 16-year-old boy was lured to a rural road and fatally shot in a romantic rivalry, and now nine teenagers — including his girlfriend — have been charged in connection with his death.
The victim, identified as Trey Dean Wright, 16, of Johnsonville, was found with multiple gunshot wounds late on June 24 along First Neck Road in Florence County, the sheriff’s office said. Wright was rushed to a hospital but did not survive.
Alleged Shooter Arrested First
The following day, deputies arrested Devan Raper, 19, of Conway, accusing him of shooting Wright during a confrontation. Raper is charged with murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime.
Girlfriend Accused of Luring Victim
On June 30, deputies arrested Gianna Helene Kistenmacher, 17, of Myrtle Beach. Investigators allege that she brought Wright — her boyfriend — to the scene knowing Raper was armed and that violence was likely. She is charged with accessory before the fact of a felony.
Florence County Sheriff T.J. Joye told reporters the conflict between Wright and Raper stemmed from a dispute over Kistenmacher.
“The sad thing is, you got a 16-year-old that lost his life. You’ve got a 19-year-old who is going to be in jail the rest of his life. Over what?” Joye said.
More Teens Charged With Murder
On August 3, three more suspects were arrested:
Hunter Matthew Kendall, 18, of Myrtle Beach – charged with murder
Corrinne Elizabeth Belviso, 18, of Myrtle Beach – charged with murder
Sydney Marissa Kearns, 17, of Myrtle Beach – charged with murder
Four additional suspects, all minors, were also arrested but not publicly named.
According to Maj. Michael Nunn of the Florence County Sheriff’s Office, these teens were “complicit in bringing the armed codefendant, Raper, to the location” and were aware he had shown a firearm and made threats to shoot Wright.
Charges and Custody Status
Raper and Kendall remain held without bond at the Florence County Detention Center.
Kistenmacher was granted bond and released on home confinement.
Belviso and Kearns each posted $20,000 surety bonds and were released pending trial.
The four minors are being charged as adults under South Carolina law, officials confirmed.
Video Evidence at the Scene
Authorities also revealed that one of the teens present allegedly filmed the shooting as it happened, further tying the group to the crime.
The case has stunned the Johnsonville community, with law enforcement calling it a senseless tragedy fueled by teenage rivalry. A 16-year-old lost his life, and nearly a dozen other young people now face the prospect of spending years — or even life — behind bars. Investigators continue to piece together how a dispute “over a female,” as Sheriff Joye described it, escalated into deadly violence.
