Newberry County, SC, August 19, 2025

News Summary

Authorities in Newberry County, South Carolina, have charged 45-year-old Wilfrido George Luna with murder following a shooting on Interstate 26 that left a woman injured. The incident occurred near Exit 82, where Luna attempted to flee after the shooting, leading to a standoff with law enforcement. Multiple schools in the area were placed on lockdown as a precaution. Investigators are looking into the relationship between Luna and the victim, who has not yet been identified.

Midlands Man Charged with Murder Following Deadly Shooting on Interstate 26

Newberry County, South Carolina – Authorities have charged 45-year-old Wilfrido George Luna with murder following a shooting incident on Interstate 26 that left one woman injured. The incident occurred near Exit 82, prompting a swift response from law enforcement agencies.

Luna is accused of shooting a female victim before fleeing across both lanes of the interstate. Witnesses reported that Luna attempted to carjack a nearby tractor-trailer truck to escape the scene by flagging down the driver for assistance. The driver of the truck had no prior involvement with the shooting.

Following a brief standoff, Luna was apprehended in the parking lot of the Mid Carolina Country Club. Safety measures were implemented by the golf course, with airhorns used to alert and secure golfers during the incident.

The identity of the victim has not been disclosed as of 5 p.m. on the day of the shooting. In response to the ongoing situation, Mid-Carolina High School and Mid-Carolina Middle School were placed on lockdown as a precautionary measure. Other nearby elementary schools, including Little Mountain, Pomaria-Garmany, and Prosperity-Rikard, were also placed in “Secure Mode.” This lockdown lasted approximately 30 minutes, and officials confirmed that all students and staff were safe after the situation was resolved.

The shooting is being treated as a homicide, and investigators from various law enforcement agencies, including the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, are involved in the ongoing investigation. Authorities are currently looking into the circumstances that led to the shooting and the connection between Luna and the victim.

As of now, no additional injuries have been reported, and law enforcement officials have emphasized that the situation does not pose a broader threat to the community. They are continuing to gather information and will provide updates as the investigation progresses.

Background Context

Shooting incidents on highways can instigate significant community concern. In this case, authorities are focused on not only addressing the immediate circumstances of this shooting but also reassuring the public of their safety. The quick response from local law enforcement and the successful apprehension of the suspect highlights the importance of rapid intervention during violent events.

This incident marks a troubling occurrence in Newberry County, where locals may be increasingly aware of safety measures on public roadways and within educational institutions.

Key Features of the Incident

• Location: Interstate 26, near Exit 82, Newberry County, SC
• Suspect: Wilfrido George Luna, age 45
• Charges: Murder
• Victim: Female (identity undisclosed)
• Incident Details: Shooting followed by attempted carjacking
• Law Enforcement Response: Involvement of multiple agencies, including SC Law Enforcement Division
• Community Safety Measures: Lockdowns at multiple schools, airhorn alerts

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

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
Newberry College Football Coach Todd Knight Signs Extension
Man Sentenced to Over Eight Years for Gun Possession in SC
Gunman Kills Officer in CDC Headquarters Shooting
Tragic Shooting at CDC Headquarters Leaves Community Shocked
Tragic Shooting Near Emory University and CDC Shocks Community

Additional Resources

• WIS TV
• Wikipedia: Shooting
• WLTX
• Google Search: Newberry County Shooting
• Fox Carolina
• Google Scholar: Shooting Incidents
• WACH
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Crime
• 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.