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.
MT. JULIET, Tenn. — Authorities have identified two victims killed during an active shooter incident at Cedar Creek Marina in Mt. Juliet late Friday night.
The suspect, identified as Gary Haley, a convicted felon with an extensive criminal history, is deceased following an officer-involved shooting, officials confirmed.
Mount Juliet Police officers were dispatched at approximately 9:30 p.m. Friday to the Cedar Creek Marina, located in the 9000 block of Saundersville Road, after receiving reports of a man threatening another individual on the docks.
Due to the active shooter report, a shelter-in-place order was issued for the surrounding area as a precaution.
Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound.
The victim was later identified as Robby Brogdon, who was transported to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Brogdon later succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators determined that the suspected shooter had retreated to a boat within the marina and had barricaded himself inside.
The standoff continued for several hours as officers secured the scene and attempted to resolve the situation safely.
At approximately 1:00 a.m. Saturday, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) reported that the suspect engaged responding officers and fired shots at them under circumstances that remain under investigation. Officers returned fire.
The suspect, Gary Haley, was later found deceased aboard the vessel.
During the course of the response, officers also discovered a second adult male victim, Nathan Jones, who had been shot by the suspect.
Jones was pronounced dead at the scene.
No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has assumed responsibility for the investigation, which includes a homicide, an attempted homicide, and an officer-involved shooting.
TBI agents are actively conducting interviews, collecting evidence, and working to establish a comprehensive timeline of events.
Upon completion of the investigation, findings will be submitted to 15th Judicial District Attorney General Jason Lawson for review.
Authorities stated that additional information will be released as it becomes available.