Trey Wright’s grandmother, Catherine Lee, has expressed her views following the arrest of his girlfriend, Gianna Helene Kistenmacher, in connection with Trey’s tragic death.
On June 24, Trey was fatally shot in the lower chest during an altercation in Johnsonville, South Carolina, an incident that was filmed by a member of the group allegedly involved. Authorities quickly apprehended 19-year-old Devan Scott Raper the following day. Eventually, eight more teenagers were arrested, including Kistenmacher.
Kistenmacher faces charges of accessory before the fact of a felony. Investigators allege that she brought Raper to the scene, fully aware that he was armed, and anticipated a violent confrontation that could result in death.
In August, it was revealed that Kistenmacher was released on bond under strict conditions and is now in her family’s custody.
Reacting to the news, Catherine Lee told ABC4 that she disagrees with the decision to release Kistenmacher. Lee recounted how Kistenmacher had visited the hospital the night Trey was shot, stating, “We thought, we didn’t know she had anything to do with it. We were comforting her.”
Lee made these remarks after attending a court hearing for one of the nine teens charged in Trey’s death.
While it’s unknown if the hearing was for Kistenmacher, Lee informed ABC4 that the teen has been restricted from using social media and can only leave home for medical and legal reasons.
Reflecting on Trey’s aspirations, Lee shared, “When he got out of school, he wanted to be a chaplain for the military. That’s what was his dream. And there was already prophesied that that’s what he was going to be. So, I don’t understand how this could happen.”
Lee also expressed her sorrow over the loss, saying, “I don’t wish this on anybody because it’s it kills you. It really does. It rips your heart out your chest. And if I didn’t have God in my heart. I would be like everybody else, you know, cold hearted and stuff, but I’m not. I I have God, he supports me more than anybody.”
Trey’s mother, Ashley Lindsey, emphasized her desire for accountability for all those involved in her son’s death.