Family and friends of Trey Dean Wright have been left mourning a teenager remembered as an outgoing student, athlete and outdoorsman. Wright, 16, was a rising sophomore at Johnsonville High School who played both football and baseball and was known by those close to him for his sense of humor and infectious smile. He died June 25, 2025, at McLeod Regional Medical Center after being found with multiple gunshot wounds on First Neck Road near Johnsonville.
Investigators say the shooting followed a confrontation involving Wright and 19-year-old Devan Scott Raper of Conway. Raper was arrested the day after the shooting and charged with murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime. Authorities said the confrontation was connected to a dispute involving a girl, and investigators indicated that the incident was captured on video.
As the investigation continued, authorities announced additional arrests. On June 30, 17-year-old Gianna Helene Kistenmacher of Myrtle Beach was arrested and charged with accessory before the fact to a felony. Investigators alleged that she drove Raper to the location knowing he was armed and that a violent confrontation was likely.
By August, the investigation had expanded to nine suspects. Authorities announced charges against additional teenagers, including 18-year-old Hunter Matthew Kendall, 18-year-old Corrinne Elizabeth Belviso and 17-year-old Sydney Marissa Kearns. Four other juveniles were also reported to face charges, although their identities were not released because of their ages. Some of the defendants were being prosecuted as adults under South Carolina law.
The case has continued to draw attention because of the number of young people allegedly connected to the incident and the differing accusations against them. Prosecutors have emphasized that the investigation and court proceedings must determine each defendant’s individual role, while the charges remain allegations unless established in court.
For Trey’s family, however, the criminal case is only one part of an enormous loss. His obituary describes him as someone who loved football, baseball, dirt bikes and the outdoors and who made a lasting impression on the people around him. A celebration of his life was held at Johnsonville High School on July 3, 2025, giving relatives, teammates, classmates and friends an opportunity to remember the teenager whose life ended far too soon.
