On the night of June 24, 2025, a tragic act of violence shook the small community of Johnsonville, South Carolina.

At approximately 11:30 p.m., deputies from the Florence County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) responded to an emergency call reporting a shooting incident on First Neck Road, a quiet area near Johnsonville. Upon arrival, deputies discovered a young male victim lying in the roadway, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) quickly transported the victim to a nearby hospital for treatment. Despite the efforts of first responders and medical staff, the victim was later pronounced dead.

The Florence County Coroner’s Office, led by Coroner Keith Von Lutcken, has since identified the deceased as 16-year-old Trey Dean Wright, a resident of Johnsonville. Trey’s untimely death has left his family, friends, and the local community heartbroken, struggling to comprehend the senseless violence that took his life.

Within less than 24 hours, law enforcement had a suspect in custody. On June 25, 2025, Devin Scott Raper, age 19, of 5898 Juniper Bay Road in Conway, South Carolina, was apprehended in Conway by investigators from the Florence County Sheriff’s Office with assistance from the Horry County Police Department, the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force, and the FCSO Warrants Bureau. Raper has been charged with Murder (S.C. Code Ann. 16-03-010) and Possession of a Weapon During the Commission of a Violent Crime (S.C. Code Ann. 16-23-490).

According to preliminary findings from investigators, the fatal shooting stemmed from a verbal altercation between Raper and Wright. While specific details surrounding the dispute have not yet been released, authorities believe the situation escalated quickly, resulting in Raper allegedly drawing a weapon and shooting Wright multiple times. The investigation remains active, and officials have stated that additional arrests may be forthcoming as more evidence is gathered and witnesses are interviewed.

Devin Scott Raper is currently being held at the Florence County Detention Center, where he awaits a bond hearing. Under South Carolina law, charges such as murder typically carry a high standard for bond consideration, and Raper may remain in custody pending trial unless otherwise ordered by the court.

The Florence County Sheriff’s Office has not released further details about the weapon used in the crime or any prior relationship between the suspect and the victim. They continue to urge members of the community who may have witnessed the incident or have additional information to come forward to assist with the investigation.

Trey Dean Wright’s death is a devastating loss for Johnsonville—a tight-knit town where violent crime is rare. As friends and family prepare to lay him to rest, they are left grieving a young life full of promise, cut short far too soon. Community leaders and school officials have expressed their condolences and are coordinating support services for students and residents affected by the tragedy.

This case serves as a painful reminder of the consequences of violence, especially among young people, and the critical need for conflict resolution and community engagement to prevent further loss of life.

The Florence County Sheriff’s Office has made it clear that they are committed to bringing justice for Trey Wright and his family. Updates on the case, including court proceedings and potential additional charges, will be made available through the FCSO booking website and future press releases.