Authorities in South Carolina say nine teenagers have been charged in connection with the ambush and fatal shooting of 16-year-old Trey Wright, who was allegedly lured to his death in late June. The incident, which police describe as stemming from a dispute “over a female,” has shocked the Florence County community.
On the night of June 24, Wright was reportedly tricked into meeting at First Neck Road in Johnsonville, where 19-year-old Devan Raper allegedly opened fire on him. According to the Florence County Sheriff’s Office, Wright was left lying in the road with multiple gunshot wounds. He was later pronounced dead at a local hospital.
Investigators say Wright’s girlfriend, Gianna Kistenmacher, 17, helped lure him to the location, knowing that Raper planned to confront him. Her charges have since been upgraded from accessory to murder. Officials also allege that several other teenagers knowingly assisted in coordinating the attack and even recorded the confrontation.
Maj. Mike Nunn of the sheriff’s office said video evidence played a critical role in the investigation. “It’s kind of hard to deny what we see with our eyes, and what’s posted on social media — audio, video, those types of things,” Nunn told local outlet WBTW.
The case has led to charges against nine young people, including Sydney Kearns, 17; Corrinne Belviso, 18; and Hunter Kendall, 18, who police say brought Raper to the scene while aware he was armed and intended to kill Wright. At least four of the defendants have since posted bond, while Raper remains in custody at the Florence County Detention Center.
Wright’s mother, Ashley Lindsey, described her son as a kind, joyful teenager whose life was cut short. “My baby never deserved not one thing that happened to him,” she told WBTW. “He was good for people’s souls. His happiness was contagious. He was one of the most kind-hearted kids you’d ever meet.”
Sheriff TJ Joye expressed sorrow over the senseless loss, noting that the confrontation escalated from a personal dispute. “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.
Friends and classmates of Wright have since honored his memory, with a GoFundMe describing him as “a kind soul who touched so many lives.” One friend, Ethan Kirby, expressed disbelief, saying Wright and Raper had once been close. “It’s an unreal act that we never thought could happen to Trey,” he said.
As the case moves through the courts, prosecutors are expected to pursue severe penalties for those accused of orchestrating the deadly ambush. The incident has reignited concerns about rising youth violence and the disturbing trend of crimes being recorded and shared online.
