Anthony DeLustro, a 64-year-old off-duty police officer, has been charged with murder in the shooting of 39-year-old Michael O’Neal in the parking lot of a Chick-fil-A restaurant in Summerville, South Carolina. DeLustro, who began his career with the NYPD and moved to South Carolina in 2003, was fired from his position following the incident. The State Law Enforcement Division’s investigation found that DeLustro initiated the altercation, which escalated into a physical fight involving kicks and punches. The altercation ended with DeLustro shooting O’Neal as he attempted to drive away, resulting in his death.
According to a sworn statement from the State Law Enforcement Division, DeLustro claimed he shot O’Neal because he feared he might get trapped under the moving vehicle. However, witnesses reported hearing DeLustro threaten to shoot O’Neal if he tried to leave. The investigation revealed that O’Neal did not have a weapon or threaten to use one during the altercation. DeLustro’s gun fell out of its holster during the fight, and his wife attempted to intervene by holding O’Neal back as he tried to get into his car. Ultimately, DeLustro was able to retrieve his gun, get into O’Neal’s car, and shoot him.
DeLustro, who worked in law enforcement for 22 years before the incident, could face 30 years to life in prison if convicted of murder. The O’Neal family expressed optimism that state police would uncover the truth in the investigation. They released a statement on a Gofundme page, acknowledging that while they have respect for law enforcement, they are aware that there are bad actors in every profession. Prosecutor Scarlett Wilson praised the family for their dignity and grace during the investigation and emphasized the importance of eyewitness cooperation in uncovering the events that led to O’Neal’s death.
The specifics of what led to the fight between DeLustro and O’Neal were not detailed in the state agents’ report. However, it was noted that DeLustro initiated the altercation by yelling at O’Neal and using an anti-gay slur. DeLustro also told O’Neal he was under arrest during the altercation and showed him his law enforcement credentials. Despite claiming self-defense, investigators determined that DeLustro recklessly put himself in danger and that O’Neal was not a threat at the time of the shooting. DeLustro’s actions in shooting O’Neal were deemed unwarranted given the circumstances of the altercation.
In response to the incident, the Summerville Police Department fired DeLustro from his position. However, court and jail records did not indicate if DeLustro had retained legal representation. The investigation by the State Law Enforcement Division and the subsequent murder charge against DeLustro shed light on the tragic consequences of the altercation that took place in the restaurant parking lot. The case underscores the complexities of law enforcement interactions, especially when off-duty officers become involved in altercations that result in loss of life.
