A tragic shooting in South Carolina has left a 16-year-old boy dead and two teenagers facing serious charges. Devan Raper, 19, and Gianna Kistenmacher, 17, are accused of being involved in the fatal shooting of local teen Trey Wright, following a confrontation that reportedly stemmed from a dispute “over a female.”
The incident took place in Johnsonville on June 23, and the community is left reeling from the loss.
Details of the Shooting Incident
On the night of June 23, deputies from the Florence County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call at around 11:30 p.m. and found Trey Wright lying on the road with multiple gunshot wounds. He was immediately taken to a local hospital but was later pronounced dead.
Authorities say that Raper, after being dropped off by Kistenmacher, confronted Wright before shooting him multiple times. Wright, a 16-year-old high school student, was reportedly involved in a violent altercation with Raper, which led to the tragic shooting.
The Role of Gianna Kistenmacher
Kistenmacher is accused of driving Raper to the meeting, fully aware that Raper was armed and that there would likely be a violent confrontation. According to the Florence County Sheriff’s Office, Kistenmacher has been charged with accessory before the fact.
While she didn’t directly participate in the shooting, her role in driving Raper to the location and her knowledge of the situation led to her facing serious charges.
Raper, on the other hand, has been charged with murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime. Authorities believe that the dispute between Wright and Raper was over a girl, though the exact details of the relationship are unclear.
Sheriff TJ Joye described the altercation as a sad and unnecessary loss of life, pointing out how a 16-year-old lost his life, and a 19-year-old is now facing a lifetime in prison.
Impact on the Community and Friends
The community has been shocked by the incident, especially those who knew Wright. A friend of Wright’s, Ethan Kirby, expressed disbelief over the loss, saying it was “an unreal act” and that no one could have expected something so tragic to happen to Trey.
Wright was remembered as a “kind soul who touched so many lives” by those who knew him, and a GoFundMe page has been set up in his honor.
Wright was a student at Florence School District 5, and his untimely death has left his friends, family, and classmates devastated. His tragic passing serves as a reminder of the consequences of violence, especially when conflicts are allowed to escalate.
Charges and Court Appearances
Raper is currently being held at the Florence County Detention Center without bond and is scheduled to appear in court on August 19 for his first General Sessions appearance. Kistenmacher is also being held at the same facility, awaiting her bond hearing.
The case has highlighted the dangers of unresolved conflicts between teenagers, especially when influenced by personal relationships, and serves as a painful reminder of the irreversible consequences of violence.
The shooting death of Trey Wright has left a family and community grieving. The senseless violence, allegedly fueled by a dispute over a girl, has not only cost a teenager his life but also resulted in two others facing life-altering charges. This case underscores the importance of addressing conflicts peacefully and the lasting effects of violent actions.
