Winston-Salem, North Carolina – A former police officer, Anthony DeLustro, faces murder charges after a fatal altercation outside a Chick-fil-A in Summerville, South Carolina, where he allegedly shot and killed Michael O’Neal from Winston-Salem. DeLustro, 64, is accused of the murder of the 39-year-old O’Neal.
The incident took place when DeLustro, who was off-duty at the time, engaged in a confrontation at the Chick-fil-A in Summerville, resulting in the shooting that claimed O’Neal’s life. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division announced the murder charges against DeLustro for the death of O’Neal.
Following the news of DeLustro’s arrest, the O’Neal family released a statement expressing appreciation for the community support during this difficult time and seeking justice for Michael O’Neal. The Summerville Police Department also released a statement offering condolences to the families affected by the tragic incident.
According to the affidavit released by SLED, the altercation between DeLustro and O’Neal escalated quickly, leading to a physical confrontation outside the Chick-fil-A. Witnesses reported that the situation turned violent, with punches and kicks exchanged between the two individuals.
The affidavit further details how DeLustro, armed with his handgun, approached O’Neal’s vehicle after a struggle, where a single shot was fired, resulting in O’Neal’s death. Investigators noted that O’Neal was unarmed and posed no immediate threat during the confrontation.
The report highlights the recklessness of DeLustro’s actions, entering O’Neal’s vehicle armed with a gun and firing the fatal shot. The tragic incident has raised questions about the handling of the situation and the use of force by the former police officer.
Family members of O’Neal have initiated a GoFundMe campaign to support O’Neal’s parents during this challenging time. The fund aims to provide financial assistance and aid in seeking justice for Michael O’Neal.
Investigations by SLED are ongoing to uncover the truth behind the events leading to O’Neal’s tragic death and to ensure accountability for the actions taken by Anthony DeLustro. The incident has sparked conversations about police accountability and the need for thorough investigations in cases of officer-involved shootings.