Newberry County, August 20, 2025
News Summary
A man has been arrested for murder following the fatal shooting of Rose Kewlani on Interstate 26 West in Newberry County. Wilfrido George Luna, the shooter, fled the scene but was later apprehended at a nearby golf course. The incident led to a temporary lockdown of several schools, but no additional injuries have been reported. Authorities are still investigating the motive behind the shooting, as the community copes with the aftermath of this tragic event.
Newberry, South Carolina – A man has been arrested for murder following the fatal shooting of a woman on Interstate 26 West in Newberry County on August 18. Authorities identified the shooter as Wilfrido George Luna, a 45-year-old resident of West Columbia, while the victim has been named as Rose Kewlani, a 52-year-old woman also from West Columbia.
The shooting occurred near Exit 82, which leads to Highway 773, shortly before noon on that day. According to reports from the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office, Luna shot Kewlani while they were both inside the same vehicle. After the incident, Luna fled the scene, crossing multiple lanes of the interstate and moving through a nearby patch of trees.
Luna’s flight ended at the Mid-Carolina Club golf course, where law enforcement apprehended him following a brief standoff in the parking lot. During this tense situation, he attempted to flag down a tractor-trailer but did not attempt to drive away with it. The incident prompted a precautionary lockdown of several nearby schools, including Mid-Carolina High School, Mid-Carolina Middle School, and Prosperity Richard School, which lasted approximately 30 minutes. Golfing activities at Mid-Carolina golf course were suspended for the duration of the incident.
Fortunately, no additional injuries have been reported, and the sheriff’s office confirmed that the shooting was an isolated incident that posed no further threat to the community. Healthcare responders are dealing with the aftermath while community members are processing the shocking event. Luna has since been charged with murder and is currently being held at the Newberry County Detention Center.
The Newberry County Sheriff’s Office is continuing its investigation into the motive behind the shooting. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division and other law enforcement agencies are assisting with ongoing inquiries. Clara county residents and officials are still gathering information regarding how to address questions and provide support to the affected community.
This incident underscores the ongoing challenges related to gun violence in the United States and serves as a reminder for local authorities to remain vigilant. As investigations continue, community members are urged to stay informed through official channels for further updates.
FAQ
Who was involved in the shooting on Interstate 26?
The shooting involved 45-year-old Wilfrido George Luna as the shooter and 52-year-old Rose Kewlani as the victim.
What led to the arrest of Wilfrido George Luna?
Luna was arrested after allegedly shooting Kewlani while they were in the same vehicle, fleeing the scene, and later being apprehended at a nearby golf course.
Were there any injuries reported other than the victim?
No additional injuries have been reported as a result of this incident.
Is there any information about the motive behind the shooting?
The motive for the shooting is still under investigation by the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Incident | August 18 |
| Location | Interstate 26 West near Exit 82 |
| Shooter’s Name | Wilfrido George Luna |
| Victim’s Name | Rose Kewlani |
| Charges | Murder |
| Lockdown Duration for Schools | 30 minutes |
| Investigation Status | Ongoing |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Man Arrested for Murder in Newberry County Shooting
West Columbia Man Charged with Murder After I-26 Shooting
Midlands Man Charged with Murder After Shooting Incident
Shooting on Interstate 26 Leads to Arrest in Newberry County
Tragic Shooting on Interstate 26 in Newberry County
Midlands Man Charged with Murder in I-26 Shooting
Murder Charge Filed After Interstate Shooting in Newberry County
Newberry County EMS Faces Staffing Shortages and Rising Demand
Man Sentenced to Over Eight Years for Gun Possession in SC
Gunman Kills Officer in CDC Headquarters Shooting
Additional Resources
- WBTV News
- WLTX News
- WIS TV
- Cola Daily
- WIS TV – Follow-Up
- Wikipedia: Gun Violence in the United States
- Google Search: Newberry County shooting
- Google Scholar: Gun Violence United States
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun Control
- Google News: Newberry 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.
