A small South Carolina community has been shaken by the tragic death of 16-year-old athlete Trey Dean Wright, who was lured into a violent confrontation tied to a teenage love triangle. Authorities say the conflict, fueled by jealousy and betrayal, escalated into a deliberate plot that ended in his murder on June 24, 2025.

Investigators allege that Trey’s girlfriend, 17-year-old Gianna Kistenmacher, and 19-year-old Devan Scott Raper, along with several other teens, conspired to set up the deadly encounter. Raper, identified as the shooter, now faces murder charges, while Kistenmacher and at least seven others have been charged under South Carolina’s “hand of one is hand of all” doctrine.

The case has horrified residents not only because of the number of young people allegedly involved, but also because the crime was reportedly filmed and shared, showing a disturbing mix of premeditation and callousness. For Trey’s grieving family, the betrayal by someone he trusted has deepened their heartbreak.

As the legal process moves forward, the community is left mourning a young man remembered for his smile, kindness, and athletic talent. His death has sparked difficult conversations about youth violence, the dangers of toxic relationships, and the role of technology in escalating conflicts.