Nine teenagers in South Carolina are facing charges after allegedly conspiring to lure a 16-year-old boy to his death over a dispute involving a girl. One of the suspects, Devan Raper, 19, is accused of shooting Trey Wright on June 24 in Johnsonville, leaving him dead on the side of the road.
The Tragic Shooting Incident
According to the Florence County Sheriff’s Office, Wright’s girlfriend, Gianna Kistenmacher, 17, allegedly helped lure him to a location on First Neck Road, where Raper shot him.
The incident was reportedly recorded by one of the suspects and later shared on social media, providing crucial evidence. Raper reportedly had a verbal altercation with Wright before the shooting, which was premeditated by several of the defendants.
Charges and Involvement of Others
Raper faces murder charges, and Kistenmacher’s charges were upgraded to murder after further investigation. Seven others have been charged, with some accused of helping bring Raper to the location knowing he was armed and intending to kill Wright.
Three of the defendants allegedly played key roles in coordinating the meeting and knew about the confrontation, while one is believed to have recorded the shooting.
Wright’s Family’s Grief
Wright’s mother, Ashley Lindsey, expressed heartbreak over the loss of her son, describing him as “one in a million” and a “kind-hearted” teenager. Wright’s friends and family mourn the senseless violence, with many still in disbelief over the tragic events that unfolded.
Investigation and Aftermath
The investigation revealed that the incident stemmed from a dispute over a girl, but the sheriff noted that the consequences were devastating — a 16-year-old lost his life, and a 19-year-old faces life in prison.
Authorities continue to investigate the roles of those involved, including the footage of the crime, which they believe played a significant role in proving the charges.