16-year-old boy died after his 19-year-old “pal” he hung out with in the past shot him to death just because they had issues with each other over a girl; 19-year-old charged
South Carolina – In a tragic case of teenage violence in South Carolina fueled by jealousy and anger, a 16-year-old boy, identified as T. Wright, was shot and killed by a 19-year-old “pal,” identified as D. Raper, he once spent time with. The confrontation, which turned deadly, reportedly stemmed from tensions over a girl. Now, the older teen is facing serious charges, and another young life has been lost.
Raper has been charged with murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime in connection with the June 23 shooting death of 16-year-old Wright. According to the sheriff’s office, the two teens had an ongoing issue over a girl, which ultimately escalated to gunfire. Another teenager, 17-year-old girl identified as G. Kistenmacher, was also arrested in relation to the incident. Authorities say she knowingly drove Raper to meet Wright while aware he was armed and likely to engage in a violent altercation. She has been charged with accessory before the fact of murder.
The shooting occurred on the night of June 23. According to the sheriff’s office, deputies responded to reports of a shooting around 11:30 p.m. and discovered Wright “laying in the roadway” with multiple gunshot wounds. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. Investigators say that Raper and Wright got into a verbal argument shortly after Raper arrived, and the situation quickly turned violent. Raper allegedly shot Wright multiple times before fleeing the scene. Kistenmacher, who had dropped Raper off, was not present at the time of the shooting but is accused of enabling the fatal encounter by knowing what might unfold. According to reports Raper and Wright “had hung out in the past” and were believed to be friends at one point.
Authorities have not publicly detailed the exact nature of the romantic conflict or the girl involved. Still, police confirmed that previous interactions and rising tension between the two teens contributed to the deadly outcome. Raper was taken into custody and is currently being held at the county detention center without bond. He is scheduled to appear in General Sessions court on August 19. Kistenmacher is also being held at the same facility as she awaits a bond hearing. Prosecutors have not ruled out additional charges pending the outcome of the investigation.
The sheriff’s office emphasized that the incident was not random and was the result of personal issues that had been building between the teens. Wright was a student remembered by friends and community members as a bright, kind young man. A GoFundMe campaign described him as a “kind soul who touched so many lives.” The fundraiser was created to help the family cover funeral costs and honor his memory.
The fatal shooting has shaken the community, where both families now face unimaginable grief. Law enforcement officials and local leaders are urging young people to seek nonviolent ways to resolve conflicts and to understand the tragic consequences of escalating personal disputes. This case remains under active investigation. Anyone with additional information is asked to contact the sheriff’s office.
