Two teenagers from South Carolina, Devan Raper, 19, and Gianna Kistenmacher, 17, are facing serious criminal charges after allegedly carrying out a deadly shooting on June 23 in Johnsonville. The incident, which led to the death of 16-year-old Trey Wright, is reportedly linked to a dispute between the teens over a female.
Details of the Shooting
The tragedy unfolded on First Neck Road in Johnsonville, where deputies discovered Trey Wright lying in the roadway around 11:30 p.m. He had suffered multiple gunshot wounds and was later pronounced dead at a local hospital. Investigators say the shooting was the result of a confrontation between Raper and Wright, though the specifics of their dispute remain unclear. It is believed the altercation was sparked by issues related to a female.
According to the Florence County Sheriff’s Office, Kistenmacher allegedly drove Raper to meet Wright, knowing that Raper was armed and expecting a violent confrontation. As a result, she has been charged with accessory before the fact. Raper, who is accused of shooting Wright, faces charges of murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime.
A Deadly Dispute Over a Female
Sheriff TJ Joye described the incident as a tragic confrontation between two people over personal issues, stating, “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?” This comment underscores the senseless nature of the crime and the devastating consequences of violence, especially among young people.
It was reported that Raper and Wright had been friends in the past, but tensions escalated when the dispute occurred. The specifics surrounding the conflict, particularly regarding the female at the center of the altercation, have not been fully disclosed.
The Aftermath and Community Impact
Following the shooting, Raper was arrested and is currently being held without bond at the Florence County Detention Center, awaiting his first court appearance on August 19. Kistenmacher is also being held at the same facility, awaiting a bond hearing.
The victim, Trey Wright, was a high school student in Florence School District 5, described as a “kind soul who touched so many lives” by those who knew him. A GoFundMe page has been set up to support Wright’s family, and his friends have expressed disbelief over the senseless loss.
Ethan Kirby, a friend of Wright’s, expressed his shock, saying, “It’s an unreal act that we never thought could happen to Trey. Honestly, I’m in disbelief at what’s happened right now.”
The tragic death of Trey Wright serves as a reminder of how senseless violence, especially among young people, can have devastating consequences. A dispute over a female escalated to the point where a 16-year-old lost his life, and two others now face criminal charges that will shape the rest of their lives. The incident has deeply affected the community, with many left grieving the loss of a young life taken too soon.
