Newberry County, South Carolina, August 19, 2025
News Summary
A 45-year-old West Columbia man, Wilfrido George Luna, faces a murder charge following a shooting on Interstate 26 in Newberry County. The incident, which occurred near Exit 82, involved a female victim whose identity remains undisclosed. After the shooting, Luna attempted to carjack a tractor-trailer before being apprehended by law enforcement. Local schools were placed on lockdown as a precaution, but have since returned to normal operations. The investigation is ongoing, focusing on the relationship between the suspect and the victim.
Newberry County, South Carolina – Murder Charge Following Interstate Shooting
A 45-year-old man from West Columbia, identified as Wilfrido George Luna, has been charged with murder in connection with a deadly shooting that took place on the westbound side of Interstate 26 in Newberry County. The incident occurred near Exit 82, the SC-773/Prosperity exit, leading to a significant police response in the area.
According to authorities, the shooting involved a female victim, whose identity has not yet been disclosed as of 5 p.m. on the day of the incident. Following the shooting, Luna was reported to have fled across both lanes of the interstate and attempted to carjack a tractor-trailer truck. Details indicate that the truck was flagged down by Luna, who had no previous connection to the vehicle or its driver.
Authorities successfully apprehended Luna after a brief standoff in the parking lot of the Mid Carolina Country Club. The situation required precautionary measures, prompting Scott Crouch, the General Manager of the golf course, to activate safety protocols including airhorns to secure golfers in safe areas.
School Lockdowns and Safety Measures
In response to the unfolding situation, local educational institutions acted swiftly to ensure student safety. Mid-Carolina High School and Mid-Carolina Middle School were placed on lockdown, while Little Mountain, Pomaria-Garmany, and Prosperity-Rikard elementary schools were put in “Secure Mode.”
Officials confirmed that these schools have since returned to normal operations, with all students and staff reported safe. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, along with multiple law agencies, are actively participating in the ongoing investigation to determine the relationship between Luna and the female victim.
Investigation and Community Response
The community remains on high alert as details are still emerging from the investigation. Initial findings are focused on uncovering the nature of the connection between the suspect and the victim, a critical aspect of the case as authorities piece together events leading up to the shooting.
Local law enforcement encourages residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities, while also reassuring them that safety measures are in place across the region to prevent future incidents.
Background on Wilfrido George Luna
Wilfrido George Luna is a West Columbia resident now facing serious charges that could lead to a lengthy prison sentence if convicted. His arrest followed immediate law enforcement actions that highlighted the department’s readiness to respond to violent crimes swiftly.
As the investigation progresses, more information about the suspect and circumstances surrounding the incident is expected to emerge. Authorities continue to ask the public for any relevant information that may assist in the case.
Summary of Events
- Incident: Shooting on I-26, Newberry County
- Suspect: Wilfrido George Luna, 45, from West Columbia
- Victim: Female (identity undisclosed)
- Actions: Attempted carjacking, fleeing across interstate
- Apprehension: In parking lot of Mid Carolina Country Club
- School Lockdowns: Mid-Carolina High/Middle and elementary schools were secured
- Ongoing Investigation: Involves South Carolina Law Enforcement Division
FAQ
Who is the suspect in the Newberry County shooting?
The suspect is 45-year-old Wilfrido George Luna from West Columbia, who has been charged with murder.
Where did the shooting take place?
The shooting occurred on the westbound side of Interstate 26, near Exit 82 (SC-773/Prosperity exit).
What actions were taken by local schools during the incident?
Mid-Carolina High School and Middle School were placed on lockdown, while several elementary schools entered “Secure Mode.” All schools have since returned to normal operations.
What is known about the female victim?
As of now, the identity of the female victim has not been released by authorities.
Quick Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Suspect | wilfrido George Luna, 45 |
| Charge | Murder |
| Location of Incident | I-26 Westbound, near Exit 82 |
| Victim | Female (identity not released) |
| Response Teams | South Carolina Law Enforcement Division and local authorities |
| Schools Locked Down | Mid-Carolina High, Mid-Carolina Middle, and several elementary schools |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Gunman Opens Fire at CDC Campus in Atlanta, Officer Dies
Newberry College Celebrates Four Student-Athletes as Cobalt Golf All-America Scholars
New School Year Begins Amid Security Concerns in Newberry
Man Arrested Following Shooting Incident in Prosperity, SC
Elbert Epps Arrested Following Shooting Incident in Prosperity, S.C.
Newberry County EMS Faces Staffing Crisis Amid Rising Demand
Additional Resources
- WIS News
- Wikipedia: Newberry County, South Carolina
- WLTX
- Google Search: Newberry County shooting
- The State
- Google Scholar: Newberry County shooting
- Fox Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Newberry County shooting
- Cola Daily
- Google News: Newberry County shooting
Author: STAFF HERE NEWBERRY
The NEWBERRY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewberry.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Newberry, Newberry 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 Newberry Opera House performances, Newberry Arts Fest, and the Newberry County Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Newberry County Chamber of Commerce and the Newberry Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and agriculture that power the local economy such as Amick Farms and Newberry Mills. 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.
