Nine Teens, Including Girlfriend of Victim, Arrested in Murder of SC 16-Year-Old [WATCH]

Authorities in Florence County, South Carolina, have arrested nine teenagers in connection with the murder of 16-year-old Trey Dean Wright, who was lured into a deadly confrontation and shot multiple times on June 24, as reported by The New York Post.

Wright was found dead on First Neck Road, about 45 miles west of Myrtle Beach, after being fatally shot during what investigators say was a coordinated set-up involving his girlfriend and several other teens.

In South Carolina, a tragic dispute over a girl ended in the murder of 16-year-old Trey Dean Wright.https://t.co/4aElWlkIZS

— Vinay Patel (@VinayPBPatel) August 18, 2025

Trump’s Sovereign Wealth Fund: What Could It Mean For Your Money?

The Florence County Sheriff’s Office announced that Devan Scott Raper, 19, of Conway, was arrested the day after the shooting and charged with murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime.

Investigators allege that Raper pulled the trigger in an argument that stemmed from a romantic dispute.

In the weeks following the killing, eight more teenagers were charged for their roles in arranging the confrontation and, in some cases, recording the murder on video.

This Could Be the Most Important Video Gun Owners Watch All Year

Among them was Wright’s 17-year-old girlfriend, Giann Kistenmacher, who was charged with accessory before the fact. Authorities said she helped orchestrate the meeting by bringing Raper, knowing he was armed, to confront Wright.

Nine South Carolina teens arrested in plot to kill 16-year-old boy—including his girlfriend

Trey Dean Wright was found dead with multiple gunshot wounds on June 24. pic.twitter.com/0RKLGYDpb6

— The Post Millennial (@TPostMillennial) August 17, 2025

Three other suspects were identified as Corrine Belviso, 18, Hunter Kendall, 18, and Sydney Kearns, 17. Belviso and Kearns were released on $20,000 bonds, while Kendall remains in custody without bond.

Florence County Sheriff’s deputies found Trey Dean Wright of Johnsonville dead on First Neck Road with multiple gunshot wounds June 24, authorities said previously. He was found about 45 miles west of Myrtle Beach.

The following day, they arrested Devan Scott Raper, a… pic.twitter.com/Ctfm95pxph

— News News News (@NewsNew97351204) August 16, 2025

Officials have withheld the identities of four additional suspects because they are minors.

Maj. Michael Nunn of the Florence County Sheriff’s Office told WBTW-TV that those involved were aware of the danger. “They were complicit in bringing the armed codependent, Raper, to the incident location and knowing that there would be a confrontation,” Nunn said.

“They knew that Raper had presented a firearm to the victim and made threats to shoot him, according to the arrest warrant.”

Florence County Sheriff T.J. Joye said the murder was fueled by a rivalry involving a girl. “They had issues with each other, and it was over a female,” Joye said.

“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?”

Raper remains in custody without bond as he awaits trial.

The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of LifeZette. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.