An off-duty police officer, Anthony DeLustro, aged 64, has been charged with murder in the shooting of Michael O'Neal following an altercation in the parking lot of a Chick-fil-A restaurant in Summerville, South Carolina. The incident occurred on March 20, where DeLustro allegedly shot O'Neal, 39, as he attempted to drive away.
DeLustro, who had a 22-year career with the NYPD before moving to South Carolina in 2003, was fired by the Summerville Police Department in light of the charges brought against him. According to state investigators, DeLustro initiated the altercation with O'Neal, using an anti-gay slur and asking if O'Neal wanted to fight.
The altercation escalated into a physical confrontation involving kicks and punches, during which DeLustro displayed his law enforcement credentials and claimed to be placing O'Neal under arrest. DeLustro's gun fell out of its holster during the scuffle, and his wife attempted to restrain O'Neal as he tried to enter his vehicle.
After the fight, DeLustro shot O'Neal as he attempted to drive away, claiming he feared being trapped under the moving vehicle. However, witnesses reported hearing DeLustro threaten to shoot O'Neal if he tried to leave. State agents confirmed that O'Neal did not possess or threaten to use a weapon during the altercation.
If convicted of murder, DeLustro faces a sentence ranging from 30 years to life in prison. The family of Michael O'Neal expressed optimism that the truth would be revealed through the state police investigation, emphasizing their respect for law enforcement while acknowledging the presence of bad actors in every profession.
Prosecutor Scarlett Wilson commended the O'Neal family for their dignified conduct throughout the investigation and highlighted the importance of eyewitness cooperation in uncovering the details of the shooting incident.
The case underscores the complexities and consequences of off-duty police conduct, shedding light on the need for accountability and transparency within law enforcement agencies.
