The mother of Trey Dean Wright, a 16-year-old killed in an alleged love triangle, shares emotional details about his relationship with his girlfriend Gianna Kistenmacher, who is accused of luring him to his death.
The mother of 16-year-old Trey Dean Wright, who was tragically killed in South Carolina in June 2025, has shared heartbreaking insights into her son’s life and his relationship with his girlfriend, Gianna Kistenmacher, who has been allegedly involved in his death.
Trey was fatally shot after an altercation and it’s suspected that his final moments were recorded. The incident, which took place on the night of June 24, has rocked the local community and sparked an ongoing investigation, with nine teenagers tied to Trey’s death, including Gianna Kistenmacher.
The Love Triangle That Ended in Tragedy
Trey, who had been dating Gianna for only a few weeks, was shot multiple times on First Neck Road near Johnsonville, SC, around 11:30 pm on June 24, 2025. He succumbed to his injuries the following day.
Authorities have arrested Devin Scott Raper, a 17-year-old, who has been charged with murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. Investigators allege that the shooting was a result of a verbal altercation between Devin and Trey, possibly related to a love triangle involving Gianna.
Gianna is accused of helping to lure Trey to his death, though Trey’s mother, Ashley Lindsey, has denied this. She explained to the Mail Online:
“My son wasn’t about dumb stuff like a love triangle. He told me just two days before he was killed that being with Gianna felt like a dream come true.”
Ashley also revealed that Trey was genuinely in love with Gianna and might have been unaware of any tension or issues in their relationship that could have led to such a tragic outcome.
“He really liked her, but he might have been clueless to whatever else was going on.”
Gianna’s Role and the Alleged Fight
Trey’s grieving family believes that Gianna deliberately instigated a fight with Trey the day before he was shot. According to Trey’s close friend, Ethan Kirby, the situation escalated from a childish act into a fatal tragedy.
“I believe [Gianna] just wanted them to fight, not for it to end this way. It was all a childish act that turned real.”
Gianna, who is one of the nine suspects linked to the murder, is believed to have played a role in luring Trey into a confrontation that ultimately led to his death. However, Gianna’s exact involvement remains a subject of controversy, as she turned up at the hospital to express grief after Trey was shot.
Trey’s grandmother, Catherine Lee, recalled:
“She came to the hospital. And we thought, we didn’t know she had anything to do with it. We were comforting her.”
The contradictions surrounding Gianna’s actions in the aftermath of the shooting have raised many questions about her role in the tragic event.
The Arrests and Legal Proceedings
As of now, eight of the nine suspects involved in the incident have been released on bond, while the alleged gunman, Devin Scott Raper, remains in custody awaiting trial. The investigation continues as authorities work to uncover the full details of the crime.
Trey’s mother, Ashley, has expressed anger and heartbreak over the loss of her son, emphasizing that his life was stolen over what she described as “dumb stuff”. The grief of losing a child is compounded by the knowledge that the tragic death may have been influenced by jealousy, manipulation, and a love triangle gone horribly wrong.
The Lasting Impact on Trey’s Family
As the investigation into Trey’s death unfolds, his family and friends continue to seek justice for the teen whose life was tragically cut short. Trey’s mother has become a vocal advocate for seeking answers and ensuring that those responsible for her son’s death are held accountable.
The community in Johnsonville, SC has also been left reeling, as they try to make sense of the loss of a young life, taken far too soon, in a senseless act of violence.
If You or Someone You Know is Grieving
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, you can contact The Compassionate Friends at (877) 969-0010.
