An off-duty police officer in South Carolina is facing murder charges after fatally shooting a man following an altercation in the parking lot of a Chick-fil-A. The incident, which occurred on March 20, involved Anthony DeLustro, a 64-year-old off-duty officer from the Summerville Police Department, and Michael O’Neal, a 39-year-old man.
Eyewitnesses described DeLustro as the primary aggressor in the altercation, using homophobic slurs against O’Neal and presenting his police credentials while engaging in a physical confrontation. During the scuffle, a handgun fell from DeLustro’s holster, leading to a tense situation that escalated when O’Neal attempted to disengage and leave the scene.
Despite O’Neal’s attempts to leave, DeLustro threatened to shoot him if he did so. Subsequently, DeLustro retrieved his gun from the ground, approached O’Neal’s vehicle, and fired a fatal shot as O’Neal attempted to drive away. DeLustro claimed he intended to prevent O’Neal from leaving the area, despite no evidence of O’Neal possessing a weapon or making any threats.
At a recent hearing where bond was denied, DeLustro highlighted his long career in law enforcement, stating that he had never received a substantiated complaint during his 35 years of service. He also mentioned his involvement in public service since the age of 21, including responding to Ground Zero after the 9/11 attacks. DeLustro expressed a desire for mercy to support his wife and granddaughters following the loss of their daughter in 2021.
In response to the incident, O’Neal’s family released a statement expressing devastation over his untimely death and emphasizing their respect for law enforcement while acknowledging the presence of bad actors in any profession. The family remains hopeful that the ongoing investigation by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division will uncover the truth and deliver justice.
The investigation into the shooting remains active, with authorities continuing to gather evidence and testimonies to determine the circumstances surrounding O’Neal’s death. The community awaits further developments in the case as they seek clarity and closure in the aftermath of this tragic event..
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