Crime
52-year-old Rose Kewlani killed after I-26 shooting in Newberry County, suspect Wilfrido Luna charged
NEWBERRY COUNTY, S.C. — Authorities have identified the victim of a fatal shooting on Interstate 26 in Newberry County as 52-year-old Rose Kewlani of West Columbia, according to Newberry County Coroner Laura Kneece.
The incident occurred Monday near Exit 82 on I-26. Investigators say Kewlani was shot by 45-year-old Wilfrido George Luna, who then attempted to flee the area.
According to the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office, Luna crossed both lanes of the interstate and allegedly tried to carjack a nearby tractor-trailer before running toward the Mid-Carolina Country Club.
Sheriff Foster noted that the truck driver was not involved in the crime and that Luna had simply flagged him down during his escape.
The suspect was ultimately apprehended in the parking lot of the country club after a brief standoff. Luna has since been charged with murder.
During the incident, safety protocols were activated at the country club to protect those on site.
Scott Crouch, general manager of the Mid-Carolina Golf Course, explained that staff used airhorns and golf carts to quickly alert patrons and bring them into safe areas, including the clubhouse and maintenance shop.
Out of an abundance of caution, the School District of Newberry County placed several nearby schools on lockdown. Mid-Carolina High School and Mid-Carolina Middle School were temporarily locked down, while Little Mountain, Pomaria-Garmany, and Prosperity-Rikard elementary schools were placed in “Secure Mode.”
District officials later confirmed that all students and staff were safe and that schools had returned to normal operations.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to piece together the circumstances leading up to the shooting.
SPENCER, OKLAHOMA — Authorities have confirmed that a 17-year-old student was shot and killed Wednesday afternoon following a violent altercation near Star Spencer High School in Spencer, Oklahoma.
According to the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded shortly after an altercation broke out among a group of juveniles near the intersection of Northeast 34th Street and Spencer Road.
During the confrontation, one of the individuals reportedly produced a firearm and opened fire, striking a male teenager.
Emergency personnel transported the victim to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The victim was later identified by Oklahoma City Public Schools officials as 17-year-old Sebastian Guyton, a student at Star Spencer High School.
Following the shooting, law enforcement initiated a search of the area. One suspect was taken into custody after a brief foot pursuit, though authorities have not yet released additional details regarding the individual’s identity or potential charges.
As a precaution, several nearby schools were placed on temporary lockdown while officers secured the area.
Classes at Star Spencer High School have been canceled for the remainder of the week in light of the tragedy.
In a statement released Wednesday, Star Spencer High School officials expressed deep sorrow over the loss of their student:
“Please help keep our Bobcat family and friends in your thoughts during this very difficult time,” the statement read.
The Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the circumstances leading up to the shooting.
Additional updates will be provided as more information becomes available.