JOHNSONVILLE, SC – Authorities have charged two teenagers in connection with the fatal shooting of a 16-year-old boy in Florence County, an incident they believe stemmed from a dispute over a girl.
The Florence County Sheriff’s Office identified the suspects as Devan Raper, 19, and Gianna Kistenmacher, 17. Investigators allege Raper shot and killed Trey Wright on the night of June 23 after Kistenmacher drove him to a rural Johnsonville roadway.
Deputies responded to First Neck Road around 11:30 p.m. that Sunday, where they found Wright suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. The teen was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Officials say Kistenmacher knowingly gave Raper a ride to meet Wright, aware that Raper was armed and anticipated a violent confrontation. As a result, she faces a charge of accessory before the fact. Raper is charged with murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime.
According to investigators, the altercation originated from personal issues between Raper and Wright and escalated to deadly violence. The sheriff’s office indicated that the motive centered around a conflict involving a female acquaintance of the teens.
Raper, who remains at the Florence County Detention Center, is being held without bond. His first appearance in General Sessions court is scheduled for August 19. Kistenmacher is also in custody at the same facility as her bond hearing approaches.
The community has been left reeling by the loss of Wright, a local high school student remembered by many as compassionate and friendly. Friends described him as someone who made a positive impact on everyone he met.
One of Wright’s friends, Ethan Kirby, said the shooting left them “in disbelief,” given the history between Wright and Raper. The two teens were believed to be acquaintances before the incident unfolded.
Deputies have not released additional details about the circumstances leading to the confrontation or how the dispute developed. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to piece together the events that resulted in the loss of a young life.
Both suspects remain behind bars as the criminal case moves forward, and law enforcement officials have emphasized the senseless tragedy of the incident.