An argument in Summerville, South Carolina on the afternoon of March 20, resulted in the death of a North Carolina man and injuries to an off-duty police officer. Michael P. O’Neal, 39, was confirmed dead, while the officer, Anthony DeLustro, sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
The incident occurred around 1 pm near a Chick-fil-A establishment on North Main Street.
According to Berkeley County Coroner Darnell Hartwell, O’Neal died from a gunshot wound.
DeLustro now faces a murder charge in the death of O’Neal.
According to reports from police, the argument between DeLustro and O’Neal turned physical. Witnesses at the scene pointed to DeLustro as the main instigator in the confrontation, despite efforts by onlookers to separate the two men.
The arrest warrant details that DeLustro managed to pull away from those holding him back and warned he would kill O’Neal should he try to leave, following O’Neal’s expressing a desire to exit the situation.
“The evidence found showed that O’Neal discontinued the fight with Anthony DeLustro and went back to his car,” the warrant specified. “While O’Neal was starting to drive away, Anthony DeLustro, who was still partly inside the passenger side of O’Neal’s car, discharged a firearm once. Michael O’Neal died at the location from the gunshot.”
A statement was released by WCSC from DeLustro, where during a court session on April 10, he sought compassion.
“All my life has been devoted to serving the public. I’ve always upheld the law rightfully without any proven grievances over my 35 years in the police force,” DeLustro articulated. “I request your kindness to assist my wife and daughters as we navigate through this period.”
DeLustro made no reference to the individual he killed, Michael O’Neal, offered no expression of regret, and seemed to lack any sense of remorse.
Solicitor Scarlett Wilson of the Ninth Circuit issued a statement expressing her profound worry, highlighting her concern about the breach of public trust by those who have pledged to serve and protect, regardless of whether their actions were considered “in the line of duty.”
DeLustro was not granted bail because the powers of a magistrate judge do not include the authorization to set bail for a charge of murder. His case will now be presented to a judge of the Circuit Court, who will decide if bail should be granted. This hearing has been scheduled for June 14.
Following the tragic event, the family of Michael O’Neal initiated a GoFundMe campaign which has since amassed over $26,000. It is noted on the page that O’Neal was the offspring of a law enforcement officer.
O’Neal’s family members have stated that he had no animosity towards the police. O’Neal’s cousin, Tom Nail, confirmed that O’Neal was the individual seen in the black shirt in the incident footage. Nail expressed his belief that the incident might have taken a different turn had O’Neal known he was interacting with a law enforcement officer.
Nail stated, “Michael would’ve never fought a cop. Had he known he was dealing with a police officer, I doubt there would’ve been any altercation. Michael was the kind of guy who would’ve stopped in his tracks.”
“He was a giving person, always ready to help family, friends, and anyone in need. He never missed an opportunity to share a smile,” Nail added.
