Ninth Circuit Solicitor Scarlett Wilson this week released the following statement regarding the arrest of former Summerville Police Officer Anthony DeLustro (pictured):
"Agents with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) notified me that they have arrested former Summerville Police Officer (SPD) Anthony DeLustro for the murder of Michael O’Neal. My thoughts and prayers are with the O’Neal family. I have spoken with them over the past few weeks. This is a very difficult time for them, but they have acted and reacted with dignity and grace. We are grateful for their extreme patience, understanding and cooperation with us. Likewise, SLED’s investigation could not have been as thorough or productive without the involvement of the community. Eyewitness cooperation has been vital.
As a lawyer and prosecutor, I am subject to special rules limiting my ability to make public comments about pending cases and defendants in criminal matters. For these reasons, my office cannot comment on the merits of this case. By law, the Defendant is presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilty. My role is to hold accountable those who harm others unlawfully, regardless of their profession. This office does not dictate or comment upon police policy, training and procedure. I am deeply concerned, however, when those who are sworn to serve and protect violate the public’s trust, whether or not they are acting 'in the line of duty.'
This killing involved an off-duty member of the Summerville Police Department on March 20, 2024. Shortly after the shooting, SPD Chief Doug Wright, though not required by law, wisely chose to request that the case be independently investigated by SLED. SLED Agents have briefed us continually throughout the investigation and we have met on multiple occasions. Moving forward, we will continue to analyze and evaluate the evidence SLED provides to us. Unlike other states, South Carolina does not have an investigative grand jury system for our counties. My office is committed to notifying the public and the media if/when the Berkeley County Grand Jury returns an indictment against the Defendant, and when other court hearings are scheduled.
It is extremely important to me that I am open and transparent with the public about the legal proceedings and the continuing investigation into this matter. The Defendant will make an appearance in Berkeley County Magistrate’s Court this evening. However, because the charge is murder, South Carolina law requiresthat any bond be set by a Circuit Court judge. When a bond hearing in Circuit Court is scheduled, we will notify the public and the media as to the time and place of the hearing."
