Death by Cop 2021-2025
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Michael P. O’Neal
Gender : Male
Age : 39
Race : White
Date : 03/20/2024
Location : Chik-Fil-A parking lot on North Main Street
City : Summerville
County : Berkeley
State : South Carolina
Agency : Summerville Police Department
Officer(s) :Off-Duty Officer Anthony DeLustro
Cause of Death : Gunshot
Event : Killed by off-duty officer for unknown reasons
OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :
On March 20, 2024, Michael P. O’Neal, a 39-year-old man from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, was fatally shot by off-duty Summerville Police officer Anthony DeLustro in the parking lot of a Chick-fil-A on North Main Street in Summerville, South Carolina. Witnesses reported that DeLustro was the primary aggressor in a physical altercation that ensued between the two men. During the confrontation, DeLustro claims that he identified himself as a police officer and attempted to arrest O’Neal, displaying his police credentials. As the situation escalated, DeLustro's firearm fell to the ground. O’Neal attempted to leave the scene by returning to his vehicle. DeLustro retrieved his weapon, entered the passenger side of O’Neal’s car, and, as O’Neal began to drive away, DeLustro fired a single shot, striking O’Neal. O’Neal died from his injuries at the scene. DeLustro was subsequently charged with murder and kidnapping. He was later granted bond under strict conditions, including house arrest and GPS monitoring. O'Neal's family described him as a family-oriented individual who was very pro-law enforcement. They believe the altercation may have been avoided if O'Neal had known DeLustro was a police officer. In May of 2025, DeLustro sued the FOP (Fraternal Order of Police), demanding that they provide him with legal representation.
