JOHNSONVILLE, S.C. — Authorities in Florence County have arrested nine teenagers in connection with the June 24 shooting death of 16-year-old Trey Dean Wright, a Johnsonville High School student whose life was tragically cut short after what investigators describe as an argument “over a girl.”
The Incident
On the night of June 24, deputies with the Florence County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of gunfire in Johnsonville, a small town southeast of Florence. When officers arrived, they found Wright suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Despite emergency aid, the teenager was pronounced dead at the scene.
Sheriff T.J. Joye said the investigation quickly revealed that the shooting stemmed from a dispute among teenagers that escalated into violence.
“This was a senseless act that should never have happened,” Joye said. “We have young lives destroyed — one young man is gone, and nine others now face the justice system.”
The Arrests
Following weeks of investigation, law enforcement arrested nine suspects ranging in age from 15 to 19 years old. Officials say the charges vary depending on each individual’s role in the shooting.
Several of the teens face murder and weapons charges, while others have been charged with being accessories before and after the fact. Sheriff Joye confirmed that investigators believe each suspect played a role in planning or carrying out the crime.
Community Reaction
News of the arrests has brought a mix of relief and sadness to the Johnsonville community. For many, the tragedy underscores both the vulnerability of young people and the devastating consequences of gun violence.
“This wasn’t just another crime statistic,” said one Johnsonville resident. “This was a child, someone we knew and saw grow up. And now nine other young people’s lives are changed forever too.”
Friends and classmates remembered Wright as a charismatic teen with dreams of playing sports beyond high school. His smile and sense of humor, they said, made him a favorite among peers.
Family Grieves
For the Wright family, the pain of losing Trey remains overwhelming. In a statement, relatives thanked investigators for their persistence but urged the community to take action to prevent further tragedies.
“Trey was full of life and had so much ahead of him,” the family’s statement read. “We want him remembered for his joy, not for this violence. No family should ever have to go through this kind of heartbreak.”
A Broader Issue
Law enforcement officials and community leaders have pointed to the case as part of a larger pattern of youth-related gun violence across South Carolina. Advocates argue that access to firearms, combined with unresolved conflicts, is putting teenagers in increasingly dangerous situations.
“Arguments among young people are nothing new,” said a Florence-area youth mentor. “What’s changed is how quickly those arguments turn deadly because guns are too easily available.”
Local schools and churches have pledged to work with families and law enforcement to create safe spaces for teenagers and provide counseling to those affected by the tragedy.
Moving Forward
The nine arrested teenagers are expected to face hearings in the coming weeks as the legal process unfolds. Meanwhile, Johnsonville residents continue to rally behind the Wright family, organizing vigils and memorials to honor Trey’s memory.
“This community is hurting,” Sheriff Joye said. “But we will do everything in our power to make sure justice is served for Trey and his family.”
As Johnsonville mourns the loss of a promising young life, many hope Trey Dean Wright’s death will serve as a turning point in addressing youth violence before more families are forced to endure similar pain.