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
Woman Fatally Struck by Semi-Truck on Birmingham Interstate Exit Ramp Identified as Shontea Baker
Authorities have identified the woman who was killed earlier this week after being struck by a semi-truck on an interstate exit ramp in Birmingham.
The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office confirmed on Friday that the victim was Shontea Renee Baker, 40, a Birmingham resident.
The fatal incident occurred at approximately 10:26 a.m. Wednesday on the Arkadelphia Road exit ramp from Interstate 59/20.
Emergency responders pronounced Baker deceased at the scene at 10:42 a.m.
At this time, no further details regarding the circumstances of the crash have been released.
The Birmingham Police Department is continuing to investigate the incident.