Summerville, South Carolina – A former NYPD officer, now working with the Summerville Police Department, has been charged with murder after fatally shooting an unarmed man outside a Chick-fil-A. Anthony DeLustro, 64, is accused of shooting 39-year-old Michael O’Neal on March 20 as O’Neal attempted to flee following a dispute with the off-duty cop.
Initial claims of self-defense by DeLustro were contradicted by eyewitness interviews and video evidence collected by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED). According to an affidavit from the state agency, DeLustro’s actions showed malice aforethought, as O’Neal was unarmed, trying to walk away, and posing no immediate threat.
The altercation between the two men began in the parking lot of the fast food restaurant, where a physical fight ensued. Witnesses reported that DeLustro was the primary aggressor, using a homophobic slur before entering O’Neal’s car and fatally shooting him.
Despite DeLustro’s assertions of trying to stop O’Neal from leaving, witnesses stated that the victim was attempting to disengage and drive away when DeLustro shot him from the passenger seat of the car. The Summerville Police Department placed DeLustro on administrative leave following the incident and handed over the investigation to SLED.
Following the murder charge, the Summerville Police Department terminated DeLustro’s employment. The department expressed condolences to both the victim’s and the accused officer’s families, recognizing the impact of the tragedy on both sides.
An ongoing investigation by SLED is shedding light on DeLustro’s history, including his time with the NYPD where he faced complaints of misconduct. DeLustro’s career spanned different law enforcement departments in South Carolina, with reports of noticeable temper but minimal public complaints during his tenure at Trident Technical College.
As the investigation continues, the case highlights the complexities and consequences of law enforcement actions, particularly in cases of alleged misuse of power and reckless behavior. The tragic outcome at the Chick-fil-A serves as a sobering reminder of the stakes involved when addressing issues of excessive force and accountability within the police force.