NEWBERRY COUNTY, S.C. (August 18, 2025) — Authorities in Newberry County have identified the victim of a deadly shooting on Interstate 26 as 52-year-old Rose Kewlani of West Columbia, whose life was tragically cut short on Monday during a violent incident that led to a police chase, attempted carjacking, and school lockdowns across the region.
According to Newberry County Coroner Laura Kneece, Kewlani was shot near Exit 82 on I-26. Sheriff’s deputies quickly responded to the scene and identified the alleged gunman as 45-year-old Wilfrido George Luna, who was arrested and now faces murder charges in connection with the shooting.
Timeline of Events
The situation unfolded late Monday when authorities say Luna fired shots at Kewlani’s vehicle, fatally wounding her. Witnesses reported chaos on the interstate as the suspect allegedly fled across both lanes of traffic toward the nearby Mid Carolina Country Club, abandoning his car along the way.
Investigators said Luna also attempted to carjack a tractor-trailer truck during his escape. Sheriff Lee Foster clarified that the truck driver had no involvement in the shooting. “We’re trying to decipher how the tractor-trailer was involved in it,” Foster said. “The suspect flagged him down, but the driver was an innocent bystander.”
Standoff at Country Club
Luna’s flight ended in the parking lot of the Mid Carolina Country Club, where he was confronted by law enforcement after a brief standoff. Witnesses said the confrontation created panic among golfers and staff, but thanks to quick action by course management, all patrons were safely secured.
Scott Crouch, General Manager of the Mid-Carolina Golf Course, explained the emergency measures taken: “We actually have horns that you can blow, airhorns, so we blew that, went around in carts, and got everybody herded up here at the clubhouse as well as in my maintenance shop and got them all safe.”
Authorities were able to take Luna into custody without further injuries. He is currently being held at the Newberry County Detention Center as investigators continue to piece together the motive behind the attack.
Community Impact
The shooting triggered a wave of concern throughout Newberry County, prompting several nearby schools to go into lockdown as a precaution. According to the School District of Newberry County, Mid-Carolina High School, Mid-Carolina Middle School, and three elementary schools — Little Mountain, Pomaria-Garmany, and Prosperity-Rikard — were placed in “Secure Mode” during the manhunt.
District officials later confirmed that all students and staff were safe and that normal operations resumed once law enforcement gave the all-clear.
Remembering the Victim
Family and friends of Rose Kewlani, described as a loving and caring woman from West Columbia, are now left grieving her sudden and violent death. While details about her life have not yet been released publicly, community members have already begun to share condolences and tributes online, mourning the loss of someone whose life was taken far too soon.
Ongoing Investigation
Sheriff Foster noted that investigators are working to determine what led to the shooting and whether Kewlani and Luna knew one another. “This is a tragic and senseless act of violence,” Foster said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim’s family as they deal with this unimaginable loss.”
The Newberry County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that additional charges may be filed as the investigation progresses. Authorities are urging anyone who may have witnessed the shooting or its aftermath to come forward with information.
As the community mourns Rose Kewlani, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of violence and the importance of swift action from both law enforcement and community leaders in keeping the public safe.