Authorities in South Carolina continue to investigate the tragic death of 16-year-old Trey Dean Wright, who lost his life in late June in Florence County. The incident occurred along a rural road in Johnsonville and is believed to have resulted from a planned confrontation involving several teenagers. According to investigators, what began as a dispute quickly escalated, shocking the local community and leaving many grieving the loss of a young life. Nineteen-year-old Devan Scott Raper has been formally charged in connection with the case and remains in custody without bond.
Law enforcement officials allege that Raper had previously been involved in a dispute with Wright, which may have led to the fatal confrontation. In addition to Raper, Wright’s girlfriend, 17-year-old Gianna Kistenmacher, has been charged as an accessory before the fact and is currently under home confinement. Several other individuals connected to the case have also been taken into custody as the investigation continues to unfold. The Florence County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that a total of nine suspects have been charged so far, with a tenth individual expected to surrender to authorities shortly.
Investigators believe that each teenager played a different role in the events that led to Wright’s death. Because some of those involved are minors, their identities have not been released to the public to protect their privacy. Officials emphasized that every arrest was made only after thorough review and in close coordination with the solicitor’s office to ensure that the charges were justified. Sheriff TJ Joyle described the case as a heartbreaking example of how personal conflicts among young people can quickly spiral into devastating tragedy.
“The sad thing is, a young life is gone, and another will likely be spent behind bars,” he said, expressing the profound sadness felt by the community and law enforcement alike. As the investigation remains ongoing, the community continues to mourn the loss of Trey Dean Wright. The tragedy has sparked important conversations about the need for greater understanding, responsibility, and compassion among young people. Officials hope that this case will serve as a reminder of how quickly situations can escalate and the lasting consequences that can result from moments of violence.
The Florence County Sheriff’s Office, along with other law enforcement partners, remains committed to uncovering all the facts and ensuring that justice is served. They encourage anyone with additional information related to the case to come forward and assist with the investigation.