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.
Crime
Who was Jesse Strang? Tumbler Ridge Secondary School Shooting Suspect Identified as Transgender Student
Authorities are continuing to investigate the mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, that left at least 10 people dead, including multiple victims at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School and two individuals at a separate residence connected to the case.
While the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have not formally released the suspect’s identity, the alleged shooter has been identified by a close family member as 17-year-old Jesse Strang, a student at the school.
The outlet stated it spoke with Russell G. Strang, identified as the suspect’s uncle, who claimed that Jesse was responsible for the attack and described the teen as transgender.
Law enforcement has not publicly confirmed these details, and investigators have urged the public to rely on verified information as the case remains active.
According to RCMP, gunfire was first reported at approximately 1:20 p.m. at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School.
Responding officers discovered six victims deceased inside the building, while a seventh victim later died while being transported to a hospital.
Two additional victims were airlifted to regional medical facilities with serious or life-threatening injuries, and roughly 25 others were evaluated for injuries believed to be non-life-threatening.
During the investigation, officers identified what they described as a “secondary location believed to be connected to the incident.” At that residence, police located two additional victims who were pronounced dead at the scene.
The suspected gunman is also deceased, reportedly from what investigators believe to be a self-inflicted injury.
“Officers are conducting further searches of additional homes and properties to determine whether anyone else may be injured or otherwise linked to today’s events,” the RCMP said in a statement.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed profound sorrow following the tragedy.
“I am devastated by this shooting. I join Canadians in grieving with those whose lives have been changed irreversibly today, and in gratitude for the courage and selflessness of the first responders who risked their lives to protect their fellow citizens,” Carney said.
Tumbler Ridge, a remote community of approximately 2,400 residents in the Northern Rockies region of northeastern British Columbia, is now grappling with the aftermath of one of the deadliest acts of violence in its history.
Crisis support resources and emergency personnel have been mobilized to assist victims, families, and residents affected by the tragedy.
In the wake of the shooting, strong opinions and commentary have circulated online regarding the suspect’s identity, gender, and possible motives.
Authorities have not established a motive, nor have they confirmed personal details about the suspect. Officials caution against spreading speculation or attributing the attack to any ideology or group without verified evidence.
The investigation remains active as law enforcement works to confirm the suspect’s identity, reconstruct the timeline of events, and determine what factors led to the violence.
Additional updates are expected as authorities continue to gather and verify information.
Officials are urging anyone with relevant information to contact law enforcement and encouraging the public to respect the privacy of the victims’ families during this time of profound loss.