A South Carolina 16-year-old was gunned down in his hometown after authorities say a group of Myrtle Beach-area teenagers lured him into a deadly confrontation fueled by jealousy and revenge, as Fox News reports.

On June 24, Trey Dean Wright of Johnsonville was shot multiple times and killed in what authorities describe as a premeditated setup tied to a love triangle involving his girlfriend and several co-conspirators, including a 19-year-old alleged gunman.

Florence County deputies found Wright unresponsive just before midnight on First Neck Road, roughly 45 miles inland from Myrtle Beach. He had suffered multiple gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene. His death sent shockwaves through the quiet Johnsonville community and sparked a complex investigation across county lines.

The next day, June 25, investigators arrested Devan Scott Raper, 19, of Conway. Law enforcement officials allege Raper pulled the trigger during a confrontation with Wright over a romantic dispute. Sheriff T.J. Joye said the incident stemmed from “issues over a girl” -- a central element of a winding chain of events drawing in multiple teens.

Authorities say fatal encounter carefully orchestrated

Among those charged was Wright’s 17-year-old girlfriend, Gianna Kistenmacher. According to arrest records, Kistenmacher and other co-defendants facilitated the encounter by transporting Raper -- who they knew was armed -- to the scene. Officers allege the group knew there would be a hostile confrontation with Wright.

Authorities say at least four teens, including Kistenmacher, played significant roles in organizing the ambush. Alongside Raper, prosecutors charged Hunter Kendall, 18; Corrine Belviso, 18; and Sydney Kearns, 17, all from the Myrtle Beach area. Investigators believe they conspired to lead Wright into the fatal meeting with Raper.

Florence County Sheriff’s Office Major Michael Nunn emphasized that all involved parties had knowledge of Raper’s intentions, stating, "They were complicit in bringing the armed codefendant... to the incident location," and knew Wright had been threatened beforehand. Nunn noted that the case falls under South Carolina’s joint liability law, adding, “The hand of one is the hand of all.”

Certain defendants set for trial as adults

Five of the nine teens arrested face adult charges under state law due to the severity of the crime. Raper has been charged with murder and unlawful possession of a firearm during a violent offense. He remains in custody without bond. Kendall is also being held without bond following his murder charge.

Belviso and Kearns, both charged with murder, were released on $20,000 bonds, prompting mixed reactions from the community. While specific roles of each accused teen vary, authorities suggest each played an active part in making the deadly confrontation possible.

Investigators have not disclosed all the evidence, but confirmed that at least one person recorded the shooting. That footage could become a central piece of evidence as the case proceeds through the legal system.

Grief-stricken family speaks

As legal proceedings begin, Wright’s family continues to grapple with the sudden and violent loss of the young teen. His mother, Ashley Lindsey, told local reporters, “All this court hearing and bond court and stuff is driving me crazy.”

She added, “I don’t even have time to sit down and think half the time, on top of losing my precious baby.” In the days following the shooting, friends and relatives created an online fundraiser to honor his memory and support his grieving family.

Sheriff Joye reflected on the community-wide damage left in the wake of the shooting. “The sad thing is, you got a 16-year-old who lost his life. You’ve got a 19-year-old who is going to be in jail the rest of his life. Over what?” he asked.

Lessons to learn

1. Never underestimate the danger of peer pressure or manipulation. Young people can be influenced by friends or relationships into making decisions with serious, even fatal, consequences. Teaching teens to recognize unhealthy dynamics and encouraging open communication with trusted adults is vital.

2. Romantic disputes can become dangerous if left unaddressed. Schools, parents, and communities must guide teens on handling conflict peacefully. The tragic result of this situation began with a dispute that escalated due to poor choices and easy access to weapons.

3. Know that crime can happen to anyone. Even in small, quiet communities, violence can emerge unexpectedly. While it’s important to learn from such tragedies to protect others in the future, it’s equally important not to blame the victim. Trey Dean Wright did not deserve what happened to him.

Why this story matters

This case highlights the dangerous impact of teen violence and how quickly a disagreement can spiral into tragedy. It draws attention to the importance of emotional intelligence, responsible conflict resolution, and gun prevention among youth. Most importantly, it underscores how multiple families and futures can be changed forever by a single act of violence.

As legal proceedings move forward, investigators remain tight-lipped, citing the ongoing nature of the case. Community members hope for justice and answers as they mourn one life lost—and many others forever changed.