A deadly shooting in Florence County, South Carolina, has been linked to a teenage love triangle, leading to murder charges for several young adults.
According to the Florence County Sheriff’s Office, the victim, 16-year-old Trey Wright of Johnsonville, was shot and killed on June 24. The case now involves nine people, all between the ages of 17 and 19, who are facing various charges related to his death.
The first arrest
According to Columbia’s WISTV, the first arrest occurred on June 25, when 19-year-old Devan Scott Raper was taken into custody. He was charged with murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. According to law enforcement, Raper was identified as the shooter after a verbal fight with Wright over Wright’s 17-year-old girlfriend, Gianna Kistenmacher.
Investigators allege that what started as an argument quickly escalated, and Raper shot Wright twice in the chest. The motive for the crime, according to officials, was jealousy stemming from a romantic rivalry. Florence County Sheriff T.J. Joye noted that the deadly encounter began as a “conflict” between Raper and Wright over Kistenmacher.
Kistenmacher’s role
9 now face charges in killing of Johnsonville teenager Trey Wright, deputies say
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Following Raper’s arrest, detectives focused on Kistenmacher. She was accused of luring Raper to the location of the shooting and was charged with accessory before the fact. Her bond was set at $25,000, with conditions of home confinement and monitoring.
The investigation expanded significantly in early August with the arrests of four more suspects, including Hunter Matthew Kendall (18), Sydney Marissa Kearns (17), and Corrinne Elizabeth Belviso (18) from Myrtle Beach. All three were charged with murder. Authorities stated these individuals were present and played a role in the crime, invoking South Carolina’s law of accomplice liability, which holds everyone who contributed to a crime equally responsible.
Four additional suspects remain unnamed, as they are either considered fugitives or minors whose identities are protected.
As court proceedings continue, Raper is being held without bond. Kearns and Belviso were released on $20,000 bonds, while Kendall’s bond is still pending. Kistenmacher remains under home confinement and is prohibited from contacting co-defendants or witnesses.
Sheriff Joye expressed his grief over the senseless violence, stating that a “16-year-old lost his life and a 19-year-old may spend the rest of his life in jail. Over what?” Authorities in Florence County say the investigation is ongoing and a tenth suspect is expected to surrender soon.
