West Columbia, South Carolina, August 22, 2025
News Summary
A 45-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a shooting incident that resulted in the death of a 52-year-old woman on Interstate 26 in West Columbia. The victim, identified as Rose Helen Kewlani, was shot near Exit 82, prompting nearby schools to go on lockdown. Authorities confirm the suspect, Wilfrido George Luna, fled the scene but was apprehended shortly after. Investigations are ongoing, with heightened security measures implemented as the community grapples with this tragic event.
West Columbia, South Carolina – A 45-year-old man has been arrested and charged with murder following a fatal shooting incident that took the life of a 52-year-old woman on Interstate 26. The victim has been identified as Rose Helen Kewlani, a resident of West Columbia. The shooting, which occurred on the westbound side of the interstate near Exit 82, led to heightened security measures being enacted at local schools.
The Newberry County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Kewlani’s death is classified as a homicide. The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain unclear, particularly whether it took place inside a vehicle or on the roadside. Authorities report that the suspect, identified as Wilfrido George Luna, fled the scene after the shooting took place.
Luna was apprehended in the parking lot of Mid Carolina Country Club after a brief standoff with law enforcement. He is currently being held at the Newberry County Detention Center. No other injuries have been reported related to the shooting incident. Throughout the manhunt for Luna, local schools, including Mid-Carolina High School and Mid-Carolina Middle School, were placed on lockdown for approximately 30 minutes as a precautionary measure. Additionally, Prosperity Richard School was put on alert during the search.
Sheriff Lee Foster addressed community concerns, reassuring the public that this was an isolated incident and there is no ongoing threat to community safety. Investigations are ongoing; however, as of now, authorities have not established a motive for the shooting. An autopsy for Rose Kewlani is scheduled to take place later this week, which may provide further insights into the circumstances surrounding her death.
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is assisting in the investigation, working alongside agents from the Probation, Parole, and Pardon Board, and local police from Newberry City. Details about the shooting continue to unfold, and authorities are expected to release updates as new information becomes available.
Background on Interstate 26 Shooting
This recent incident marks a deeply tragic event within the West Columbia community. Fatal shootings, while often isolated, raise concerns about public safety and the need for vigilant law enforcement response. The quick actions taken by law enforcement to apprehend the suspect were crucial, reflecting a robust emergency response framework in place.
Community Response and Safety Measures
The lockdown of local schools during the incident demonstrates the proactive measures taken by educational institutions to ensure the safety of students and staff. Following the incident, community leaders and law enforcement officials have emphasized the need for continued vigilance and preparedness in facing such unforeseen events.
Future Investigations
As investigations proceed, law enforcement officials are expected to explore various avenues to determine the motive behind this tragic incident. With the community on alert, further information from the ongoing investigation, including the results of the upcoming autopsy, will be critical to understanding the full circumstances of the shooting.
FAQ Section
Who was the victim of the shooting?
The victim of the shooting was Rose Helen Kewlani, a 52-year-old resident of West Columbia.
What led to the lockdown of local schools?
Local schools were placed on lockdown as a precautionary measure during the search for the suspect following the shooting incident.
What are the charges against the suspect?
The suspect, Wilfrido George Luna, has been charged with murder.
Is the public still in danger?
Authorities have classified the shooting as an isolated incident and have stated that the public is no longer in danger.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Victim | Rose Helen Kewlani, 52 |
| Suspect | Wilfrido George Luna, 45 |
| Incident Location | I-26 near Exit 82, South Carolina |
| Charges | Murder |
| School Lockdown Duration | Less than 30 minutes |
| Current Status of Suspect | Held at Newberry County Detention Center |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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
Newberry County EMS Faces Staffing Shortages and Rising Demand
Additional Resources
- WLTX: West Columbia Woman Identified as Victim in I-26 Shooting
- Wikipedia: South Carolina
- WISTV: Coroner IDs Woman Killed After I-26 Shooting
- Google Search: I-26 shooting West Columbia
- The State: Fatal I-26 Shooting
- Google Scholar: Interstate shooting West Columbia
- WISTV: Victim of Shooting Sues Restaurant
- Encyclopedia Britannica: West Columbia shooting
- Cola Daily: Man Sentenced for West Columbia Shooting
- Google News: West Columbia 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.
