News Summary
The family of 18-year-old Trey Blackshear, who was shot and killed in 2019, expresses disappointment at recent plea deals in the case. The community closely watches the legal proceedings as concerns about justice and gun violence emerge. Despite harsh sentences for the gunman, other defendants received lenient deals, prompting calls for change. The family aims to honor Trey’s legacy by advocating for victims and establishing a scholarship.
Hilton Head Island – The family of 18-year-old Trey Blackshear, who was tragically shot and killed in 2019, has expressed deep disappointment following the recent plea deals concluded for the individuals involved in his murder. The case, which has stirred emotions within the community, raises significant concerns about justice and the impact of gun violence.
Trey Blackshear was fatally shot on December 23, 2019, while he waited in a car with a friend outside the Life Lutheran Church in Bluffton, South Carolina. Reports from family members indicate that Trey was shot point-blank after attempting to disarm the gunman, Terrance Wing, who had threatened his friend at gunpoint. Trey, who had recently graduated from high school, was a talented soccer player with ambitions to play at the collegiate level and pursue a degree in business administration.
Authorities arrested four individuals in connection with the crime: Terrance Wing, Jaesean Redd, Kiona Ferguson, and Xavier Barnes. In 2023, Terrance Wing was sentenced to 40 years in prison for his role as the gunman. Meanwhile, both Jaesean Redd and Kiona Ferguson accepted plea deals that resulted in suspended sentences of 15 years and 10 years, respectively. These sentences are contingent upon their compliance with five years of probation; if they fail to meet the conditions of their probation, they could be imprisoned.
David Mouser, Trey’s grandfather, has openly voiced his dissatisfaction with the leniency of these sentences, citing a belief that the severity of the crime warrants much harsher penalties. The family, grappling with the emotional weight of their loss, is seeking not only justice for Trey but also a broader societal change to combat gun violence. In memory of Trey, they are partnering with local soccer club Tormenta FC to establish an annual scholarship aimed at supporting deserving high school students pursuing careers in sports and business.
Further complicating the case, the charges against Redd and Ferguson were refiled in late 2024 after new evidence surfaced, indicating Ferguson had played a significant role by driving the suspects away from the scene of the murder, thus being charged as an accessory. This ongoing aspect of the legal proceedings indicates that the family’s quest for justice is far from over, especially as a trial date for the fourth suspect, Xavier Barnes, remains unscheduled.
The murder of Trey Blackshear has become a poignant illustration of the issues surrounding gun violence and the legal system within the Hilton Head Island community. The family consistently emphasizes Trey’s character, recalling him for his humor and joyful spirit. His legacy continues to inspire conversations about the impact of violence and the drive for meaningful change in community safety.
As the family navigates the complexities of their loss and seeks justice, they also highlight the importance of advocating for victims of violent crime. Their commitment to remembering Trey as more than just a tragedy serves as a foundation for organizing community responses to such acts of violence, hoping to foster a safer environment for future generations.
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Additional Resources
- WTOC: Hilton Head Grandfather Calls for Changes After Plea Deal
- Wikipedia: Gun Violence
- Island Packet: Murder Case Updates
- Google Search: Growing Up with Gun Violence
- WSAV: Hilton Head Attorney Sentenced
- Google Scholar: Growing Concerns About Gun Violence
- Star Advertiser: Plea Deal in Hawaii Case
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Societal Impact of Gun Violence
- Live 5 News: Beaufort County Lawyer Sentenced
- Google News: Law and Gun Violence
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
