Cheerleader Accused of Orchestrating Boyfriend's Murder Seeks Leniency for College Life

Gianna Kistenmacher, 18, an accused cheerleader described as the “queen bee” in the murder of her 16-year-old boyfriend, Trey Wright, is seeking leniency from a South Carolina judge. Kistenmacher's legal team is requesting the removal of her court-ordered GPS monitor and overnight curfew, as well as permission to access social media, to allow her to attend college and eventually live on campus.

Kistenmacher faces accessory-to-murder charges in connection with Wright's shooting death in June 2025. Her attorney argued in a court appearance that his client has cooperated with prosecutors in their cases against the nine other defendants charged in Wright's murder. The lawyer stated that Kistenmacher wishes to apply to colleges outside of her current local institution and hopes to reside in campus housing.

Wright's grandmother, Brenda Gore, expressed strong disapproval of Kistenmacher's request, calling her a "little miss entitled bitch" in a Facebook post. Gore highlighted the contrast between Kistenmacher's desire for college life and the fact that Trey Wright was denied the chance to live his life.

Kistenmacher has been permitted to remain at her family home in Myrtle Beach since July 2025. Initially under full-time house arrest, her restrictions were eased in February to include an 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew. Her request to access social media is limited to viewing college announcements and student alerts, not for posting.

The events leading to Wright's death began on June 24, 2025, with an online dispute between Wright and 19-year-old Devan Raper over Kistenmacher. According to reports, Wright expressed his dislike for Raper's association with Kistenmacher. Subsequently, Kistenmacher, Raper, and several others reportedly drove to Johnsonville, South Carolina, where Wright was allegedly shot and killed by Raper as he approached their vehicle.

The motive behind Kistenmacher's alleged involvement with Raper and the group in the crime remains unclear. Her family reportedly referred to her as the "queen bee" of the group involved.

During Kistenmacher's hearing, both her family and Wright's family were present. The judge deferred a decision on the defense's requests, and a date for the next court appearance has not yet been set. Gore also criticized other defendants, Braylyn Thompson and Jaden Auclaire, who were reportedly taken back into custody for allegedly violating their house arrest orders and committing further offenses.