Summerville, South Carolina – A former police officer from Summerville, South Carolina, has been charged with murder in connection to the death of a Winston-Salem man. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division announced the charges against Anthony DeLustro after an altercation at a Chick-fil-A led to the tragic death of 39-year-old Michael O’Neal.
The incident took place on March 20, when DeLustro, who was off duty at the time, and O’Neal were involved in a fight at the Summerville restaurant. Witnesses described DeLustro as the primary aggressor during the altercation. Reports indicate that DeLustro informed O’Neal that he was under arrest and threatened to shoot him if he tried to leave the scene. Tragically, DeLustro fired a single shot from his handgun as O’Neal attempted to drive away, resulting in O’Neal’s death.
Following the investigation by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, DeLustro was charged with murder. The warrants reveal that DeLustro claimed he used deadly force because he believed he could not remove his legs from beneath O’Neal’s moving vehicle, but eyewitness accounts and video evidence contradict his claims of acting in self-defense to protect the community’s safety. O’Neal’s family released a statement expressing their hope for justice in the wake of DeLustro’s arrest and detention at the Berkeley County Detention Center.
The Summerville Police Department had requested the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division to handle the investigation to ensure transparency and impartiality. The active and ongoing investigation aims to determine the events leading to O’Neal’s tragic death and hold those responsible accountable for their actions. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding standards of conduct and ensuring the safety and well-being of all individuals in the community.
As the legal proceedings progress, the community awaits further developments in the case and hopes for a fair and just resolution. The impact of this incident reverberates through both the Winston-Salem and Summerville communities, highlighting the need for diligence and accountability in law enforcement practices. The pursuit of justice for Michael O’Neal remains a priority as authorities work to uncover the truth behind the tragic events at the Chick-fil-A parking lot in Summerville.