Mother of 16-year-old lured to his death in South Carolina speaks out
Teen was killed after being tricked into an ambush involving at least nine suspects, including his girlfriend
The mother of 16-year-old Trey Dean Wright, who was fatally shot in Florence County, South Carolina, has spoken publicly for the first time since her son’s death, vowing to fight for justice. Wright was allegedly lured to a remote location by his girlfriend, where a group of teens was waiting.
On June 24, Trey Wright followed his girlfriend, Gianna Kistenmacher, to a rural road in Florence County. Waiting there was a group of teenagers, including 19-year-old Devan Scott Raper, who had previously threatened Wright with a gun during an argument over a girl.
When Wright arrived, at least one of the teens began filming as Raper allegedly opened fire. Deputies responding to the scene found the 16-year-old lying in the road with multiple gunshot wounds.
Raper was arrested the next day, and authorities later charged eight other teenagers in connection with the killing. Three of them — Hunter Kendall, 18, Corrine Belviso, 18, and Sydney Kearns, 17 — have been publicly named. Four others remain unidentified because they are minors. Investigators say a tenth suspect is expected to surrender soon.
Sheriff: ‘Over what?’
Sheriff TJ Joye told local station WBTW News 13 that tensions between Wright and Raper stemmed from a conflict involving a female.
“The sad thing is, you got a 16-year-old that lost his life,” he said. “You’ve got a 19-year-old who is going to be in jail the rest of his life. Over what?”
Mother’s vow for justice
Speaking to ABC News, Trey’s mother, Ashley Lindsey, described her son as someone who brought joy to others and said she will not stop fighting for accountability.
“My baby never deserved one thing that happened to him, period,” Lindsey said. “He was one in a million. He was good for people’s souls. His happiness was so contagious… I will fight for justice for my baby. If it takes every last breath in me.”
As the investigation continues and additional suspects face charges, Wright’s family and community are left mourning the loss of a teenager described as kind-hearted and full of life.
