A teenage love story turned violent in Johnsonville, South Carolina, leaving a 16-year-old boy dead in what prosecutors allege was a premeditated trap set by his girlfriend.

According to the New York Post, Trey Wright was fatally shot on June 24, 2025, after his 17-year-old girlfriend, Gianna Kistenmacher, allegedly lured him into a confrontation with another teen, Devin Raper, who opened fire during the encounter.

Trey Wright, a rising junior from South Carolina, had only been dating Gianna Kistenmacher for a few weeks when their relationship took a tragic turn. Kistenmacher, a cheerleader at Atlantic Collegiate Academy and the daughter of a local law enforcement officer, reportedly initiated events that would lead to Wright’s death. Ashley Lindsey, Wright’s mother, said her son was smitten with Kistenmacher. “He told me just two days before he was killed that being with Gianna felt like a dream come true,” she said.

Planned Confrontation Sparked by Jealousy

On the day of the shooting, Kistenmacher allegedly accused Wright of cheating, triggering an argument. Witnesses said she arranged to meet Wright later, under the pretense of resolving their conflict. What Wright didn’t know, according to his mother, was that he was walking into a dangerous setup.

“He believed it was going to be a fistfight,” Lindsey recalled. She noted that this used to be how teenagers dealt with conflict—without weapons. “You didn’t pick up a gun. None of this makes sense.”

Before the meetup, Kistenmacher joined a FaceTime call with Devin Raper, during which Raper reportedly aimed a gun toward Kistenmacher’s phone. The clear visual threat was shared during a call meant for Wright to see, a moment friends now view as a chilling warning.

Wright Met by an Armed Teen Instead of a Fight

Devin Raper, who authorities say drove with a group of teenagers from Myrtle Beach into Johnsonville that day, was not in the same car as Kistenmacher. She arrived separately. Once both vehicles reached the meeting point, what was expected to be a teenage brawl abruptly escalated.

As Wright confronted Raper, the 16-year-old was shot multiple times. Ten teenagers witnessed the scene, and one reportedly captured part of the incident on video. Wright was left bleeding at the location while the group fled, according to authorities.

Officers responding to the scene quickly identified and detained several suspects. Among those arrested were Raper, Kistenmacher, and other teens: Corrine Belviso, Hunter Kendall, and Sydney Kearns.

Police Arrest Multiple Teens in Connection

Raper is facing charges of murder and unlawful weapon possession during a violent crime and is currently being held without bond. Kistenmacher was arrested and charged as an accessory before the fact. She has since been released into the custody of her family.

Ashley Lindsey expressed disbelief that an argument among teenagers ended in such violence. “How do you go from s–t talking to killing somebody?” she asked. “When I was growing up, if kids had a problem, they’d meet on a dirt road, fight with their hands, and go home.”

A close friend of Wright’s, Ethan Kirby, said the entire situation was made worse by the social pressures teens face. “I believe she just wanted them to fight, not for it to end this way,” Kirby said. “It was all a childish act that turned real.”

Lessons to Learn From This Tragedy

1. Confrontation should never be taken lightly. Even if a situation appears to be a simple argument or a planned fistfight, any meeting designed to settle disputes carries risks—especially when emotions are high and peer influence is involved.

2. Recognize potential red flags in young relationships. In this case, Wright’s mother and friends noted his rapid attachment and Kistenmacher’s high-status social life. Signs such as possessiveness, sudden accusations, or manipulation should not be ignored.

3. Encourage open dialogue and peer accountability. Parents and teenagers should have honest conversations about toxic behavior, interpersonal conflict, and the importance of walking away from fights. But it’s essential to remember that no matter how carefully one acts, crime can happen to anyone, and victims should never be blamed.

Why This Story Matters

This case illustrates how quickly teenage misunderstandings can spiral into deadly violence. It also underscores the growing consequences of peer pressure, digital confrontation, and the influence of social circles on young people’s decisions. The loss of Trey Wright is not just heartbreaking—it’s a wake-up call for schools, parents, and community leaders.

Conclusion

Trey Wright, 16, was fatally shot after being lured into a confrontation by his girlfriend, Gianna Kistenmacher, on June 24, 2025. Kistenmacher and Devin Raper, along with other teens, have been charged in connection with the killing. Police say the meeting, which was expected to be a fistfight, turned into a deadly ambush that left one teen dead and others facing serious felony charges. The incident has prompted deeper community reflection about youth conflict, social pressure, and violence.