Off-Duty South Carolina Police Officer Charged with Murder After Shooting in Fast Food Parking Lot

In a shocking incident, an off-duty police officer in South Carolina has been charged with murder following a confrontation in a fast food restaurant parking lot. State investigators revealed that the off-duty officer, Anthony DeLustro, shot and killed Michael O'Neal as he attempted to drive away after the two engaged in a physical altercation.

According to the State Law Enforcement Division's sworn statement, DeLustro claimed that he was trying to prevent O'Neal from leaving and had entered the passenger seat of O'Neal's car. DeLustro stated that as O'Neal began driving off, he feared getting trapped under the moving vehicle, leading him to fatally shoot O'Neal. However, witnesses who had restrained DeLustro after the fight reported hearing him threaten to shoot O'Neal if he tried to flee.

Notably, state agents confirmed that O'Neal did not possess a weapon or threaten to use one during the altercation, which involved punches and kicks in the Chick-fil-A parking lot in Summerville on March 20. The Summerville Police department subsequently terminated DeLustro's position.

Court and jail records did not disclose whether DeLustro has obtained legal representation. The 64-year-old officer had started his career with the New York City Police and served there for 22 years before relocating to South Carolina in 2003, as per his police training records.

If convicted of murder, DeLustro could face a prison sentence ranging from 30 years to life. Prior to the officer's arrest, the family of Michael O'Neal released a statement on a Gofundme page expressing their optimism that state authorities would uncover the truth. The family emphasized their respect for law enforcement while acknowledging the possibility of "bad actors" in any profession.

Prosecutor Scarlett Wilson commended the dignity and grace displayed by O'Neal's family throughout the investigation, expressing gratitude for their cooperation. Wilson also stressed the importance of eyewitness cooperation in this case.

While the state agents did not provide specific details on the reason behind the confrontation between O'Neal and DeLustro, they did mention that DeLustro initiated the altercation by yelling at O'Neal and using an anti-gay slur while questioning if he wanted to fight. DeLustro allegedly identified himself as a law enforcement officer, displaying his credentials during the altercation.

During the fight, DeLustro's firearm fell out of its holster, and his wife attempted to restrain O'Neal. However, O'Neal managed to free himself and attempted to enter his car. As O'Neal tried to drive away, DeLustro retrieved his gun from the ground, got into O'Neal's vehicle, and subsequently shot him.

Investigators concluded that DeLustro's actions were reckless and put himself in unnecessary danger, and that O'Neal was not posing a threat at the time he was killed.

This tragic incident highlights the importance of transparency and accountability within the law enforcement profession, as well as the need for thorough investigations into such incidents. The legal proceedings surrounding Anthony DeLustro's murder charge will undoubtedly be closely monitored in the coming weeks and months.