Newberry County, August 19, 2025
News Summary
Wilfrido George Luna, 45, has been arrested and charged with murder following a fatal shooting on I-26 near Exit 82 in Newberry County. The incident involved a woman inside a vehicle. After attempting to flee the scene and carjack a nearby truck, Luna was apprehended following a standoff with law enforcement. The investigation is ongoing, with no other injuries reported, and local schools were placed on lockdown as a precaution.
Newberry County, South Carolina – A 45-year-old man, Wilfrido George Luna, has been arrested and charged with murder following a fatal shooting that occurred on the westbound side of I-26 near Exit 82 in Newberry County. The shooting reportedly involved a woman inside a vehicle. Luna is currently in custody as authorities investigate the incident.
The shooting took place recently, prompting a swift response from local law enforcement. Following the incident, Luna attempted to evade police by fleeing across both lanes of the interstate and attempting to carjack a nearby tractor-trailer truck, but he was apprehended at the Mid Carolina Country Club after a brief standoff with deputies.
In light of the shooting, Sheriff Lee Foster reported that multiple law enforcement agencies, including the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, are actively involved in the ongoing investigation. Fortunately, no other injuries were reported during the incident, apart from the fatal shooting.
The identity of the victim has not been made public as authorities continue their investigation. The shooting has been classified as a homicide, and the circumstances leading up to the shooting, as well as Luna’s relationship with the victim, are being examined by the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office.
As safety precautions were taken following the incident, several schools in the area, including Mid-Carolina High School and Mid-Carolina Middle School, were placed on lockdown, with protocols lasting about 30 minutes before returning to normal operations. Prosperity Richard School was also placed on alert, along with additional schools in the vicinity like Little Mountain, Pomaria-Garmany, and Prosperity-Rikard elementary schools that entered “Secure Mode.”
The General Manager of the Mid-Carolina Golf Course, Scott Crouch, mentioned that safety measures were enforced to protect golfers during the law enforcement operation to apprehend Luna. As the investigation is still unfolding, updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Investigation and Community Response
The Newberry County Sheriff’s Office is focusing on uncovering the events that led to the shooting and any pertinent details about the suspect and victim’s relationship. The community remains in shock as officials work to ensure safety and provide necessary support to those affected by the incident.
Conclusion
This incident is a developing story, and the Newberry County authorities have committed to keeping the public informed as more details emerge. Community members are advised to stay alert and report any suspicious activities to law enforcement.
FAQ
Who is Wilfrido George Luna?
Wilfrido George Luna is a 45-year-old man who has been arrested and charged with murder following a shooting incident in Newberry County.
What happened on I-26 in Newberry County?
A fatal shooting occurred on the westbound side of I-26 near Exit 82, where Luna allegedly shot a woman inside a vehicle.
Was anyone injured besides the victim?
No injuries other than the fatal shooting have been reported.
What safety measures were taken in local schools?
Mid-Carolina High School and Mid-Carolina Middle School were locked down as a safety precaution, along with other local elementary schools, for about 30 minutes.
Are more updates expected on this case?
Yes, the investigation is ongoing, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Type | Fatal shooting |
| Location | I-26 near Exit 82, Newberry County |
| Suspect | Wilfrido George Luna, 45 |
| Charges | Murder |
| Victim | Identified but not publicly disclosed |
| Law Enforcement | Multiple agencies involved |
| School Responses | Lockdowns and alerts at local schools |
| Current Status | Incident under investigation, suspect in custody |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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
Tragic Shooting Near Emory University and CDC Shocks Community
Additional Resources
- WISTV: Deputies Respond to Shooting on I-26
- WLTX: Shooting on Interstate 26 in Newberry County
- Fox Carolina: Deadly Shooting Forces School Lockdown
- Cola Daily: Woman Killed in Shooting on I-26
- WISTV Video: Deadly Shooting Forces School Lockdown
- Wikipedia: Newberry County, South Carolina
- Google Search: Newberry County shooting
- Google Scholar: Newberry County shooting
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Newberry County
- 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.
