Winston-Salem, North Carolina – A former police officer in Summerville, South Carolina, is facing charges of murder after a fatal shooting incident involving a man from Winston-Salem outside a Chick-fil-A restaurant. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division announced that Anthony DeLustro, 64, was charged with murder in connection with the death of 39-year-old Michael O’Neal.
DeLustro was reportedly off-duty when a confrontation occurred at the Chick-fil-A in Summerville, resulting in the shooting of O’Neal. The incident has deeply affected both families involved, with the O’Neal family expressing hope for justice to prevail during this difficult time.
According to a statement released by the Summerville Police Department, Chief Doug Wright requested the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division to take over the investigation into the incident. The department offered its condolences to both families affected by the tragedy.
Details from an affidavit released by SLED described the altercation between DeLustro and O’Neal, revealing that the former police officer allegedly shot O’Neal as he attempted to leave the scene in his vehicle. Witnesses reported that O’Neal was unarmed and was trying to drive away when the fatal shot was fired by DeLustro.
The report highlighted that DeLustro had put himself in a risky situation by entering O’Neal’s vehicle armed with a handgun, ultimately resulting in O’Neal’s death. The investigation is ongoing, with O’Neal’s family remaining hopeful for a thorough and just resolution.
In response to the tragic incident, O’Neal’s cousin and sister-in-law have started a GoFundMe campaign to support O’Neal’s parents. The family is waiting for the investigation to unfold, acknowledging the complexities of the situation and expressing a desire for truth and justice to be served.