Anthony DeLustro, a former Summerville police officer, will remain behind bars as he awaits trial for the murder and kidnapping charges stemming from the fatal shooting of 39-year-old Michael O’Neal in a Chick-Fil-A parking lot on North Main Street in March. DeLustro, who is 65 years old and had a distinguished law enforcement career, was involved in a confrontation with O’Neal that turned deadly. Witnesses reported that DeLustro was the primary aggressor, with some describing him as “out of control” during the incident. According to an arrest warrant issued by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), DeLustro allegedly asked O’Neal, “Do you want to do this?” before using a slur and fatally shooting him.
Anthony DeLustro, 64, has been charged with the murder of 39-year-old Michael O’Neal, who was fatally shot on March 20. (Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office)
At a bond hearing on July 15, Ninth Circuit Solicitor Scarlett Wilson strongly opposed DeLustro’s release, citing concerns over his mental health and potential danger to the community. Wilson argued that DeLustro’s history of anxiety and mental health struggles, combined with his behavior during the incident, posed a significant risk to public safety. Although the state conceded that DeLustro was not a flight risk, the court ultimately decided to deny bond, expressing concerns about his mental state and the potential threat he could pose if released.
DeLustro’s attorney, Joseph Cannarella, expressed disappointment with the ruling but emphasized that his client has a spotless criminal record, a history of service with the NYPD during 9/11, and ongoing medical issues stemming from the March 2024 incident. Cannarella highlighted a report from a forensic psychologist that assessed DeLustro as a low risk to the community and recommended specific conditions should he be granted bond. Despite this, the court ruled against his release.
Michael O’Neal, 39, died on March 20 after allegedly being shot by an off-duty Summerville Police officer, investigators said.(GoFundMe)
The defense team is now evaluating their next steps, including potential appeals, and will continue to work closely with DeLustro and his family. Meanwhile, the case has garnered significant attention, with strong community support for DeLustro and ongoing debates over the circumstances surrounding the shooting. The trial is expected to address not only the specifics of the confrontation but also broader issues related to law enforcement, mental health, and public safety.
As of 2024, South Carolina has experienced a significant number of deadly shootings. According to the latest data from the Gun Violence Archive, there have been numerous incidents involving gun violence across the state, contributing to a high rate of fatalities. South Carolina remains one of the states with a troubling rate of gun-related deaths, reflecting ongoing challenges with violence and public safety. The state continues to grapple with these issues as law enforcement and communities seek solutions to curb the violence.
We at Crime and Cask News recently wrote about gun violence in the United States, with South Carolina being ranked #8. South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster signed the state’s “Constitutional Carry” measure into law on March 7, 2024. This law, officially known as the South Carolina Constitutional Carry/Second Amendment Preservation Act, allows residents to carry a concealed firearm without a government-issued license. The signing of this law marked South Carolina as the 29th state in the U.S. to adopt such legislation, expanding the Second Amendment rights of its citizens by removing the need for permits to carry firearms
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