Winston-Salem, North Carolina – A former police officer from Summerville, South Carolina, is facing murder charges after a fatal shooting incident outside a Chick-fil-A that resulted in the death of Michael O’Neal, a 39-year-old man from Winston-Salem.
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division announced that Anthony DeLustro, a 64-year-old former Summerville Police Officer, has been charged with murder in connection with O’Neal’s death. The incident occurred while DeLustro was off-duty at a Chick-fil-A in Summerville, where an altercation ensued leading to O’Neal being shot and killed.
Following DeLustro’s arrest, the O’Neal family released a statement expressing appreciation for the community support and privacy during the difficult time. They expressed hope for justice to prevail and gratitude to the involved departments for their dedication to the case.
In a detailed affidavit released by SLED, it was reported that the altercation between DeLustro and O’Neal escalated with punches and kicks exchanged before bystanders attempted to intervene. The altercation led to DeLustro allegedly identifying himself as a law enforcement officer, with his handgun falling out of his holster during the scuffle.
Amidst the chaos, O’Neal reportedly tried to leave the scene and return to his vehicle, prompting DeLustro’s wife to intervene. Witnesses heard DeLustro threaten to shoot O’Neal if he attempted to leave, leading to a tragic outcome where O’Neal was shot and killed by DeLustro as he attempted to drive away.
SLED investigators noted that DeLustro’s actions were deemed reckless and unjustified given the circumstances, as O’Neal was unarmed and posed no imminent threat to others. DeLustro’s decision to enter O’Neal’s vehicle with a gun ultimately resulted in a fatal outcome, highlighting the need for a thorough investigation into the incident.
As the case progresses, O’Neal’s family is patiently awaiting the outcome of SLED’s investigation, emphasizing the importance of finding the truth and achieving justice. A GoFundMe campaign has been set up by O’Neal’s cousin and sister-in-law to support O’Neal’s parents during this challenging time.