The tragic death of 16-year-old Trey Wright has led to multiple arrests, with five individuals now charged in connection with his fatal shooting on June 24. Wright was shot in an altercation over a girl, authorities say, with the incident reportedly captured on video.
Wright’s killing took place on N. 1st Neck Road near Johnsonville, South Carolina, following a heated argument with 19-year-old Devan Raper, who was arrested the following day and charged with murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. He remains in jail without bond, in an interview with local CBS affiliate WBTW.
On Tuesday, three more individuals from Myrtle Beach were charged in connection with the death. Hunter Matthew Kendall, 18, Sydney Marissa Kearns, 17, and Corrinne Elizabeth Belviso, 18, were arrested and charged with Wright’s murder.
Wright’s close friend, Ethan Kirby, spoke out about the tragedy, emphasizing his deep connection to the victim. “Trey was like my best friend, like that was my day one,” Kirby said. “I’ve known him since I’ve been like nine years old. And I just know these group of people from the beach for the past few months, really. So, like, I couldn’t care less about them.”
Kendall, who has been in custody since July 31, along with Belviso and Kearns, made their first appearances in the Effingham Magistrate Court. Kendall remains in jail without bond, while Belviso and Kearns were granted $20,000 bonds, though they remained incarcerated as of Wednesday morning. Their next court appearances are scheduled for September 17, Sheriff TJ Joye told local CBS affiliate WBTW.
Authorities have not disclosed the specific roles of the newly charged individuals in Wright’s death, but the Florence County Sheriff’s Office is continuing its investigation. Sheriff TJ Joye confirmed that the altercation between Raper and Wright was over a girl, with both parties having issues that escalated into violence.
He lamented the tragic outcome: “You’ve 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?” Gianna Kistenmacher, Wright’s girlfriend, is also facing charges. She is accused of bringing Raper to the scene while knowing he was armed and that a violent confrontation was likely. Wright, who was a high school student in Florence School District 5, was described as a “kind soul who touched so many lives,” according to a GoFundMe.
The case has been heavily influenced by social media evidence, with photos and videos playing a crucial role in the investigation. Florence County Sheriff’s Office Maj. Mike Nunn noted, “A lot of times the people involved record the event, so that takes a lot of the guesswork out of it.” The case continues to unfold, and authorities are working to bring justice to Wright’s family and friends.