Newberry County, August 22, 2025
News Summary
A tragic shooting incident unfolded in Newberry County when a man allegedly shot and killed a 52-year-old woman. The suspect, identified as Luna, fled the scene but was later arrested after attempting to carjack a truck. Authorities have labeled the incident as a homicide and are investigating the background between the suspect and the victim. Local schools were placed on lockdown during the crisis, but they have since resumed normal operations. The sheriff’s office confirmed the situation is isolated and poses no further threat to the community.
Newberry County, SC – A shooting incident on Monday led to the death of a woman and the subsequent arrest of a 45-year-old man, identified as Wilfrido George Luna from West Columbia, South Carolina. The shooting occurred shortly after 11 a.m. at Interstate 26, Exit 82 West near South Carolina Highway 773.
According to authorities, Luna allegedly shot 52-year-old Rose Kewlani of West Columbia, fatally injuring her during the incident. After the shooting, Luna fled across both lanes of the interstate and made his way towards the nearby Mid Carolina Country Club.
In an attempt to evade capture, Luna tried to carjack a tractor-trailer. However, the truck driver, who was not involved in the incident, flagged him down instead. Following a brief standoff with law enforcement, Luna was apprehended by deputies in the parking lot of the golf course, and he is now facing murder charges.
Investigation and Community Response
The Newberry County Sheriff’s Office is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Authorities have stated that this incident is being classified as a homicide and believe it to be an isolated case, indicating that there is no further threat to the community.
The Newberry County Coroner’s Office is expected to release further details regarding Rose Kewlani, the victim, as the investigation progresses. Meanwhile, multiple law enforcement agencies, including the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and the South Carolina Highway Patrol, responded to the scene.
During the incident, local schools were placed on lockdown as a precaution. Mid-Carolina High School and Mid-Carolina Middle School were secured for approximately 30 minutes. Additionally, nearby elementary schools, including Little Mountain, Pomaria-Garmany, and Prosperity-Rikard, were placed in “Secure Mode.” All schools have since resumed normal operations, with officials confirming that students and staff are safe.
Safety Measures and Future Updates
The general manager of the Mid-Carolina Golf Course, Scott Crouch, implemented safety measures to protect golfers during the unfolding situation. The community remains on alert as law enforcement continues its investigation into the relationship between Luna and Kewlani.
This story is developing, and more information will be released as it becomes available. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through updated communications from local authorities.
FAQ
What happened in Newberry County on Monday?
A shooting incident occurred on Interstate 26, resulting in the death of a woman named Rose Kewlani. The suspect, Wilfrido George Luna, has been charged with murder.
Who is the suspect?
The suspect is Wilfrido George Luna, a 45-year-old man from West Columbia, South Carolina.
Was anyone else injured in the shooting?
No other injuries have been reported. The incident is being treated as an isolated homicide.
What safety measures were taken during the incident?
Various local schools were placed on lockdown, and safety measures were implemented at the Mid-Carolina Golf Course to protect golfers during the situation.
Are authorities investigating the relationship between the suspect and the victim?
Yes, law enforcement is continuing its investigation to determine the connection between Wilfrido George Luna and Rose Kewlani.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Interstate 26, Exit 82 West, Newberry County, SC |
| Suspect | Wilfrido George Luna, 45 years old, West Columbia |
| Victim | Rose Kewlani, 52 years old, West Columbia |
| Incident Type | Murder |
| Response | Lockdowns at local schools, multiple law enforcement agencies involved |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Man Arrested for Murder Following Fatal Shooting in West Columbia
Newberry College Football Team Prepares for Upcoming Season
Man Arrested for Murder After Shooting on Interstate 26
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
Additional Resources
- WIS TV: Newberry County Sheriff IDs Man Charged in Deadly I-26 Shooting
- Wikipedia: Newberry County, South Carolina
- WLTX: Shooting on Interstate 26 Newberry County
- Google Search: Newberry County shooting
- The State: Newberry County Shooting
- Encyclopedia Britannica: South Carolina
- WBTV: Person Shot and Killed on Busy Part of South Carolina Interstate
- Google News: Newberry County shooting
- Fox Carolina: Deadly Shooting on I-26 Forces School Lockdown
- Google Scholar: shooting in Newberry County
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.
