Two teenagers in South Carolina, accused of assisting a high school cheerleader in the murder of her boyfriend, are back in jail after allegedly breaching their house arrest conditions.
Braylyn Thompson and Jaden Auclaire, both 18 years old, were arrested on Wednesday as a judge considers whether to revoke their bail. They had previously been released on $20,000 bonds under strict conditions to remain at home, except for school, medical, or legal appointments.
The charges stem from the 2025 fatal shooting of 16-year-old Trey Dean Wright, who was reportedly lured to his death by his girlfriend, Gianna Kistenmacher.
During court proceedings, it was revealed that Auclaire was charged with driving under the influence on September 26, violating his house arrest. Meanwhile, Thompson was arrested earlier on September 8 for allegedly causing malicious injury to animals or property in Horry County.
Prosecutor Todd Tucker moved to have their bonds revoked, stating, “These charges are murder that both of these individuals are facing. We’re asking that bond be respectfully revoked for both of these individuals. And they remain in custody until this matter is brought to trial.”
Tucker emphasized the teens’ apparent disregard for the court’s authority, suggesting they should appreciate being under house arrest rather than being in jail.
Judge H. Steven DeBerry IV has yet to make a ruling on the bond revocation while the suspects remain in custody at Florence County Jail.
The background of the case includes Wright engaging in a dispute online with Devan Raper, a 19-year-old who was allegedly part of the plot. On June 24, 2025, Raper and several others drove to where Wright was, and he reportedly shot him twice when Wright approached their car.
All nine teens in the car faced murder charges, with Kistenmacher labelled as the “queen bee” by Wright’s family, who accuse her of orchestrating the murder.
Kistenmacher herself has been charged with accessory to murder, alleged to have lured Wright into a precarious situation.
The courtroom tensions were palpable on Wednesday as Thompson’s attorney suggested that the prosecution’s motives were influenced by the upcoming Election Day, expressing disbelief at the charges given the circumstances. “We have nine people charged with murder. Only one of which had a firearm,” he argued.
Both defense attorneys contended that neither Thompson nor Auclaire committed murder, and merely being present during the incident should not implicate them in a conspiracy to kill Wright. They expressed frustration that this situation arose from a tragic event, stressing the lack of evidence against their clients besides their presence at the scene.
In a related development, Kistenmacher requested in court to have her bond conditions relaxed so she could reside in college housing, seeking permission for more freedom under her legal restrictions.
