Victim and Suspect Identified

Victim and Suspect Identified

• Victim: The coroner, Laura Kneece, identified the woman killed in the I‑26 shooting as 52‑year‑old Rose Kewlani from West Columbia. The incident occurred near Exit 82. https://www.wistv.com

• Suspect: Authorities arrested 45‑year‑old Wilfrido George Luna, who is now charged with murder. https://www.wistv.com+1

Incident Overview

• The shooting occurred on Monday, August 18, 2025, on I‑26 near Exit 82 (Prosperity exit) in Newberry County. https://www.wbtv.comhttps://www.wistv.com

• After allegedly shooting Rose Kewlani, Luna fled across both westbound lanes of I‑26, into a wooded area, and then reached the Mid‑Carolina Country Club (also referred to as Mid‑Carolina Club or golf course). https://www.wbtv.comhttps://www.wistv.com

• A short standoff followed in the club’s parking lot, resulting in Luna’s arrest. Nearby schools—including Mid‑Carolina High and Middle Schools, plus several elementary schools—were briefly placed in lockdown or “Secure Mode” during the incident. https://www.wistv.comABC Columbiahttps://www.foxcarolina.com

• Officials also mentioned an attempted carjacking: Luna allegedly flagged down a tractor‑trailer truck and attempted to carjack it, though the truck driver had no involvement in the incident. https://www.wistv.comhttps://www.wbtv.com

School Safety and Community Impact

• The Newberry County School District reported that schools were secured as a precaution but have since returned to normal operations. All students and staff are confirmed to be safe. https://www.wistv.comhttps://www.foxcarolina.com

Summary Table