Anthony DeLustro, an off-duty police officer, has been charged with murder in the shooting of Michael O’Neal. The incident took place in the parking lot of a Chick-fil-A restaurant in Summerville, where DeLustro allegedly initiated an altercation that led to O’Neal’s death. DeLustro has been fired from the Summerville Police Department as a result of the incident and is currently facing serious criminal charges.
DeLustro, who previously worked with the NYPD for 22 years before moving to South Carolina in 2003, told investigators that he shot O’Neal because he feared he might get trapped under the moving vehicle as O’Neal attempted to drive off after the altercation. However, state agents reported that someone restraining DeLustro after the fight overheard him threatening to shoot O’Neal if he tried to leave. The 39-year-old O’Neal did not possess a weapon during the altercation, and the fight involved physical violence, including punches and kicks.
The family of Michael O’Neal expressed optimism that state police would uncover the truth surrounding the incident. They acknowledged that while they have a great deal of respect for law enforcement, they are aware that there are bad actors in every profession. Prosecutor Scarlett Wilson thanked O’Neal’s family for their dignity and grace throughout the investigation, emphasizing the importance of eyewitness cooperation in the case.
DeLustro, if convicted of murder, could face 30 years to life in prison. It is unclear if he has retained an attorney to represent him in this case. Investigators did not provide details about what led to the altercation between DeLustro and O’Neal, but confirmed that DeLustro initiated the incident by yelling at O’Neal and using offensive language. DeLustro attempted to detain O’Neal during the fight by showing his law enforcement credentials, but the situation escalated, resulting in O’Neal’s tragic death.
The State Law Enforcement Division’s sworn statement confirmed that DeLustro’s gun fell out of its holster during the fight, and his wife attempted to hold O’Neal back. Despite efforts to restrain O’Neal, DeLustro managed to retrieve his gun from the pavement and got into O’Neal’s car before shooting him. Investigators concluded that DeLustro acted recklessly and put himself in danger without justification, as O’Neal posed no threat at the time he was killed.
The case has stirred public debate and scrutiny regarding the use of force by law enforcement officers, particularly when off-duty. The tragic outcome of the altercation between DeLustro and O’Neal has raised questions about the accountability and training of police officers in managing such situations. As the legal proceedings continue, the community awaits justice for Michael O’Neal, whose life was cut short in a senseless act of violence.
