NEWBERRY COUNTY, S.C. โ Authorities have identified the victim of a fatal shooting on Interstate 26 in Newberry County as 52-year-old Rose Kewlani of West Columbia. The incident, which unfolded on Monday, August 18, 2025, near Exit 82 on I-26, has led to the arrest of 45-year-old Wilfrido George Luna, who has been charged with murder in connection with the shooting.
Details of the Shooting Incident
According to Newberry County Coroner Laura Kneece, Rose Kewlani was fatally shot by Wilfrido Luna while driving along I-26. The shooting occurred around 10:30 a.m. near Exit 82, a busy stretch of interstate known for heavy commuter traffic. Kewlani was pronounced dead at the scene, and the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office immediately launched an investigation into the circumstances of her death.
Authorities say that after shooting Kewlani, Luna attempted to flee the area on foot. He crossed both lanes of traffic on the interstate, creating a dangerous situation for other drivers. Luna then allegedly tried to carjack a nearby tractor-trailer but was unsuccessful in his attempt. He quickly abandoned the truck and ran toward the Mid-Carolina Country Club, located a short distance away from the scene.
The Pursuit and Standoff
Upon fleeing to the country club, Luna’s actions escalated further. Sheriff Foster from the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Luna had flagged down the truck driver during his escape but did not involve him in the crime. The truck driver was not harmed and was not part of the incident.
Luna’s escape led him to the parking lot of the Mid-Carolina Country Club, where authorities had already begun to close in on him. A brief standoff ensued between Luna and law enforcement officers, who had surrounded the area. After a tense few moments, Luna was taken into custody without further incident. He was subsequently charged with murder, as well as additional charges related to the carjacking attempt.
The arrest was made possible through the swift actions of the Newberry County Sheriffโs Office, along with the cooperation of local law enforcement and emergency responders. No other injuries were reported during Lunaโs escape or the standoff.
Safety Protocols at the Country Club
During the standoff, safety protocols were quickly activated at the Mid-Carolina Country Club to ensure the safety of patrons and staff. Scott Crouch, the general manager of the golf course, explained that staff used airhorns and golf carts to alert patrons and bring them into secure areas. The clubhouse and maintenance shop were designated as safe zones, and the staff worked diligently to usher people to safety as the situation unfolded outside.
The golf course staff acted swiftly and efficiently, minimizing the risk of harm to those on the property. “Our priority was the safety of our patrons and staff, and we acted quickly to ensure everyone was brought to safety,” said Crouch. “Iโm proud of how our team responded to a very tense situation.”
School Lockdowns and Precautions
In response to the heightened safety concerns surrounding the situation, the School District of Newberry County also took precautionary measures to protect students and staff at nearby schools. As news of the standoff spread, Mid-Carolina High School and Mid-Carolina Middle School were placed on lockdown to prevent anyone from leaving the school grounds during the active investigation.
Other nearby elementary schools, including Little Mountain, Pomaria-Garmany, and Prosperity-Rikard, were placed in โSecure Mode.โ This protocol involves keeping students in classrooms and restricting movement within the schools, though it is less restrictive than a full lockdown.
District officials confirmed later in the day that all students and staff were safe and that the lockdowns and secure mode statuses had been lifted. The district praised the efforts of local law enforcement and school staff, who worked in tandem to ensure a safe environment during the unfolding events.
“We are grateful for the quick response of both our law enforcement and school staff,” said [Name], the spokesperson for the School District of Newberry County. “The safety of our students and staff is our top priority, and we are pleased that all are safe.”
The Community Reacts to the Tragedy
The shooting has shaken the Newberry County community, with many residents expressing shock and sorrow over the loss of Rose Kewlani. Local residents and members of the West Columbia community have rallied in support of Kewlaniโs family, remembering her as a kind and caring individual.
Many have taken to social media to share their condolences and reflect on the life of Kewlani, who was known for her positive attitude and strong ties to the local community. Friends and family members have spoken fondly of Kewlani, calling her an individual who always put others first and contributed to the community in meaningful ways.
“I still canโt believe sheโs gone,” said [Name], a close friend of Kewlaniโs. “She was always there to help, always kind. This loss is unimaginable, and my heart goes out to her family.”
The Investigation and Charges Against Wilfrido Luna
While Wilfrido Lunaโs arrest brings some closure to the immediate situation, the investigation into the shooting continues. Authorities are working to determine the full details of what led to the tragic events on I-26 and Lunaโs actions before, during, and after the shooting.
Investigators are reviewing evidence, including surveillance footage from nearby cameras and testimonies from witnesses, to understand the circumstances leading up to the crime. The motive behind Lunaโs actions remains unclear, and authorities are exploring all possibilities to determine why he resorted to such extreme measures.
Sheriff Foster has assured the public that the investigation will continue and that they will pursue all leads in an effort to fully understand the sequence of events. “We are committed to getting to the bottom of this and bringing justice to the victim and her family,” said Sheriff Foster. “Weโll continue to work diligently until we have all the answers.”
Luna, who has been charged with murder, faces a lengthy legal battle. The Newberry County community and Kewlaniโs family are now left to navigate the emotional toll of this senseless violence, awaiting the judicial process that will follow.
What Happens Next
As the investigation continues, authorities are focused on ensuring that all aspects of the shooting are thoroughly examined. The Newberry County Sheriffโs Office and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) are working together to piece together the details of the shooting and Lunaโs actions that night.
For the family and friends of Rose Kewlani, the emotional toll of her death is profound. The community, too, is grappling with the impact of the shooting, as it shakes the sense of safety that residents have come to rely on in the area.
As Luna faces charges in connection with the death of Kewlani and the subsequent events, there are still many questions surrounding the incident. Authorities are continuing to work to ensure justice is served and to bring some sense of closure to those affected by the tragedy.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information about the events surrounding the shooting to come forward. They are also asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who has information about Wilfrido Lunaโs background or actions before the shooting to assist in the investigation.
This story is developing. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available. Authorities are urging the public to stay informed and report any information related to the case to help bring closure to the victimโs family and the community.
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