South-Carolina

Former NYPD cop charged with murder for shooting unarmed man at South Carolina Chick-fil-A

Published

2 years ago

April 11, 2024

Former NYPD cop charged with murder for shooting unarmed man at South Carolina Chick-fil-A

An off-duty South Carolina officer who began his law enforcement career with the NYPD was charged with murder Wednesday after he allegedly shot and killed an unarmed man outside a Chick-fil-A.

Anthony DeLustro, a Summerville Police Department officer, is accused of jumping into the car of 39-year-old Michael O’Neal and fatally shooting him on March 20 as the victim was trying to flee following a dispute with the off-duty cop.

DeLustro, 64, tried to claim self-defense immediately following the deadly altercation, saying he feared for the community’s safety and his wife’s safety.

But eyewitness interviews and video evidence collected by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) show that the cop “did kill the victim with malice aforethought,” according to an affidavit provided by the state agency.

“A reasonable person could not have reasonably believed that the victim posed a threat of imminent danger of death or serious bodily injury to others because the victim was unarmed, walked away from the altercation and attempted to leave in his vehicle,” a senior special agent at SLED wrote in the affidavit.

Several witnesses told investigators that DeLustro was “the primary aggressor” and allegedly killed O’Neal as he attempted to leave after the pair got into a physical fight in the parking lot of the fast food joint, the document states.

It’s unclear what started the skirmish but both men got out of their cars and O’Neal asked the off-duty officer, “Do you want to do this?” multiple times, one witness told SLED.

DeLustro replied with a homophobic slur: “Come on you f–king f—-t,” according to the witness.

The men then began a fistfight as bystanders tried to separate them. As they exchanged blows, DeLustro tried to use his Summerville police credentials and told O’Neal he was under arrest, according to the affidavit.

The cop’s department handgun fell from his holster onto the pavement during the tussle, the document states.

At some point, O’Neal — whose own father was an officer with Winston-Salem police for over 30 years — was done and said he wanted to leave, according to a witness. He retreated and returned to his vehicle to try to leave.

But DeLustro yelled that he would shoot him if he left and the cop’s wife tried to physically restrain O’Neal from leaving, according to a bystander who was holding back the cop.

DeLustro broke free from the bystander, scooped up his handgun from the pavement, and stepped into the passenger seat of O’Neal’s Hyundai Genesis armed with the gun.

O’Neal shouted at him to get out of his car but DeLustro stayed where he was with the passenger side door open.

The victim then began to drive away and DeLustro allegedly fired a single shot from the passenger seat, striking O’Neal once and killing him before paramedics could arrive, the affidavit states.

The Summerville Police Department placed DeLustro — who was treated for minor injuries — on administrative leave following the shooting and handed the investigation over to SLED, according to WCSC.

The cop admitted to SLED investigators that he never saw the victim with any weapon and that he never threatened to use any sort of weapon and was trying to stop O’Neal from leaving, the document states.

The special agent said DeLustro reengaged O’Neal with a deadly weapon after the fight ended in what was “reckless” behavior that gave O’Neal the right to act in self-defense, not the angry cop.

Summerville Police fired DeLustro after he was charged with murder Wednesday, WCSC reported.

The department sympathized with both the victim’s and the alleged killer’s families in a statement online.

“This tragedy has devastated two families and we offer our deepest sympathies to both,” the statement posted to Facebook reads.

O’Neal’s cousin has set up a GoFundMe page to raise money to support his parents to help with funeral expenses.

“We are all devastated at the untimely and violent death of our dear Michael–or Mike, Mikey, or O’Neal,” Amy Nail wrote in its description. “As of this writing, there are many unanswered questions, and Michael’s family is respectfully waiting for SLED to perform a thorough investigation, which takes time.”

DeLustro started his career with the NYPD and has worked for various police, sheriff, and campus security departments in South Carolina over the years.

He was an officer in the NYPD between 1980 and 2003 — during which he faced three complaints of misconduct from the public, according to online records.

Two complaints were for the use of force. Both were dismissed as unfounded and unsubstantiated by the Civilian Complaint Review Board. An investigation into the third, for abuse of authority for an unnecessary traffic stop, was not completed since DeLustro left the NYPD the same year to move to the Palmetto State.

His first job in the state was working security at Trident Technical College, where his employer said his “temper was noticeable,” though he rarely received a complaint from the public, according to a reference check obtained by WCSC.

SLED’s investigation remains ongoing.

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South-Carolina

House ethics committee investigating SC Republican for alleged overbilling

Published

23 hours ago

March 3, 2026

Press Room

House ethics committee investigating SC Republican for alleged overbilling

HUNT VALLEY, Md. (TNND) — The House ethics committee announced Monday it is investigating Representative Nancy Mace, the South Carolina Republican, for potentially improper reimbursement.

Mace may have sought and received reimbursements for Washington property expenses that were greater than the costs she actually incurred. The congresswoman has taken issue with the reliability of the committee’s evidence, however.

The committee began its investigation following a December referral from the House Office of Congressional Conduct (OCC), an independent body that reviews allegations of misconduct. The OCC recommended that the committee investigate Mace’s reimbursement activity since there is “substantial” reason to believe she acted unethically – potentially in violation of House rules, standards of conduct and federal law.

Bills and statements from early 2023 to mid-2024 show that Mace overbilled the House for over $9,000 during that period, the OCC said. She allegedly requested the maximum reimbursement each month, at times receiving over a thousand dollars more than what she was entitled to, although the details of her finances are murky. Mace owned the property with her fiancé, who may have helped pay for it, according to the OCC.

“Based on the information available to the OCC, it appears Rep. Mace was reimbursed amounts exceeding the actual costs incurred for the DC Property during several months in 2023 and 2024,” the office said in its report.

“Further, if Rep. Mace did not pay for 100% of expenses related to the DC property – a determination the OCC could neither reach nor reject due to the Congresswoman’s lack of cooperation – this would increase the disparity between the amounts Rep. Mace was reimbursed and her actual expenses incurred.”

Mace’s lawyer, William Sullivan, Jr., wrote in response to the report in December that the OCC’s conclusions were “fundamentally flawed.” The report appeared to include unverified assertions and materials from the congresswoman’s former fiancé, who has a history of abusive and retaliatory behavior toward her, Sullivan said. The couple’s relationship ended in late 2023 to protect Mace’s “safety and wellbeing,” he noted.

“The Referral Report’s reliance on material and information originating from [the former fiancé] is therefore deeply problematic,” Sullivan wrote. “[The fiancé’s] personal motives, documented misuse of legal process, and demonstrated willingness to advance distorted or incomplete narratives about the Congresswoman raise substantial concerns about the accuracy and fairness of any claims premised upon or aligned with his accounts.”

The ethics committee is in the initial stage of its investigation and is gathering more information before advancing.

Have questions, concerns or tips? Send them to Ray at rjlewis@sbgtv.com.

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How to watch Tennessee Volunteers: Live stream info, TV channel, game time | March 3

Published

1 day ago

March 3, 2026

Press Room

How to watch Tennessee Volunteers: Live stream info, TV channel, game time | March 3

The college basketball slate on Tuesday will include Mike Sharavjamts and the South Carolina Gamecocks (12-17, 3-13 SEC) hosting Nate Ament and the No. 25 Tennessee Volunteers (20-9, 10-6 SEC) at Colonial Life Arena, with the matchup tipping at 6 p.m. ET.

See more details below, including how to watch this game on SEC Network.

Here’s everything you need to prepare for Tuesday’s college hoops action.

South Carolina vs. Tennessee: How to watch on TV or live stream

Game day: Tuesday, March 3, 2026
Game time: 6 p.m. ET
Location: Columbia, South Carolina
Arena: Colonial Life Arena
TV Channel: SEC Network
Live stream: Fubo – Watch NOW (Regional restrictions may apply)

Check out: USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll

Watch college basketball on Fubo!

Tennessee vs. South Carolina stats and trends

Tennessee is averaging 80.1 points per game (87th-ranked in college basketball) this year, while ceding 69.2 points per contest (62nd-ranked).
The Volunteers are dominating when it comes to rebounding, as they rank third-best in college basketball in boards (40.1 per game) and second-best in boards allowed (25.8 per contest).
Tennessee ranks 32nd in the country with 17.0 assists per game.
The Volunteers are committing 11.6 turnovers per game (240th-ranked in college basketball). They are forcing 10.6 turnovers per contest (231st-ranked).
Tennessee is making 6.8 threes per game (279th-ranked in college basketball). It has a 34.3% shooting percentage (167th-ranked) from three-point land.
With 7.9 threes conceded per game, the Volunteers rank 196th in the country. They are giving up a 30.5% shooting percentage from three-point land, which ranks 29th in college basketball.
Tennessee is attempting 41.3 two-pointers per game this year, which account for 67.7% of the shots it has taken (and 76.2% of the team’s baskets). Meanwhile, it is attempting 19.7 three-pointers per contest, which are 32.3% of its shots (and 23.8% of the team’s buckets).

Tennessee vs. South Carolina Odds and Spread

Spread Favorite: Volunteers (-8.5)
Moneyline: Tennessee (-437), South Carolina (+328)
Total: 143.5 points

NCAA Basketball odds courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook. Odds updated Tuesday at 1:12 a.m. ET. For a full list of sports betting odds, access USA TODAY Sports Betting Scores Odds Hub.

Watch college basketball on Fubo!

Follow the latest college sports coverage at College Sports Wire.

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Bombing of Iran could mean South Carolinians paying more for gas

Published

2 days ago

March 2, 2026

Press Room

Bombing of Iran could mean South Carolinians paying more for gas

U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran have caused a sharp rise in global energy prices.
Analysts predict gas prices will rise in the U.S., including in South Carolina.
The conflict has disrupted oil flow through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global transit route.
South Carolina’s average gas price remains lower than the national average, which is approaching $3 per gallon.

An escalating conflict involving U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran in March 2026 has initiated a sharp rise in global energy prices.

Analysts predict a significant uptick in U.S. gasoline prices, including in South Carolina, which often has some of the lowest gas prices in the country.

As of March 2026, AAA reports the national average for regular gasoline is $2.997 per gallon.

Based on projections released earlier this year in the Short-Term Energy Outlook, 2026 was initially forecast to have lower gas prices than 2025. With an expected 6% decrease, translating into approximately a 20-cent-per-gallon drop.

However, due to the conflict, these projections are now uncertain, and prices may not follow the anticipated trend.

“The national average price of gasoline has climbed for a fourth straight week, driven primarily by seasonal tightening and broader market dynamics,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy.

In the week ahead, De Han stated, gasoline prices are likely to face heightened upward pressure as seasonal trends continue and markets navigate this evolving geopolitical landscape, with the national average poised to reach the $3-per-gallon mark for the first time this year.

“Looking ahead, markets will now begin reacting to this weekend’s U.S.-Iran attacks, which have elevated geopolitical risk premiums even in the absence of immediate supply disruption,” said De Haan. “Oil prices have firmed as traders assess the potential for further escalation, and while fundamentals such as inventories and refinery activity remain important anchors, the risk of broader instability, particularly involving key transit routes, has injected fresh uncertainty into energy markets.”

Here’s what South Carolinians need to know.

How much is gas in South Carolina?

South Carolina’s average gasoline price remains significantly lower than the national average.

In South Carolina, the average price for regular gasoline currently stands at $2.666 per gallon, according to AAA. Mid-grade gasoline is priced at $3.099, premium gasoline is $3.494, and diesel is priced at $3.505.

Gas price hikes anticipated as bombing continue in Iran

South Carolina drivers should consider filling up their gas tanks soon to avoid potential price spikes.

Analysts expect crude oil, which ended trading on Friday, Feb. 27, at about $67 a barrel, to open this week at $90 or higher as traders process the news that Iranian forces have restricted traffic through the crucial Strait of Hormuz.

Why are gas prices rising?

Iran is a major oil producer, and the ongoing conflict has disrupted the flow of oil and gas through the Strait of Hormuz, where 20% of the world’s oil passes, according to reports from USA TODAY.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has warned vessels to avoid the area, and major shipping companies like Maersk have suspended all crossings. Saudi Arabia, Iraq and the United Arab Emirates send most of their oil exports through there.

This disruption has and could continue to reduce supply, driving prices up as demand remains steady.

“Too many global economies depend on that corridor to remain blocked,” De Haan said. “Markets price high transaction costs and additional uncertainty, he says, but he is not expecting full closure.”

If access through the strait is limited for an extended period, prices could rise “materially above $100/barrel,” said analysts at TD Securities in a March 1 note.

On the other hand, if access through the strait is guaranteed and hostilities cease, the added costs to account for the extra risk could evaporate in a matter of weeks, the TD team wrote.

“If it becomes clear this week that the tensions with Iran are short-lived, then oil prices will come back to the 60s,” said Rob Thummel, portfolio manager at $9 billion investment manager Tortoise Capital, in emailed remarks to USA TODAY.

Has South Carolina hit highest record average gas prices?

Despite the current spike in gas prices due to the conflict, South Carolina has not yet surpassed its highest recorded average prices, according to AAA.

The record for regular unleaded gasoline in the state was $4.609 per gallon on June 12, 2022.

Diesel hit a peak of $5.638 per gallon on June 10, 2022.

March gas price outlook: What drivers need to know about gas prices

As reported by USA TODAY on Feb. 28, the national average for U.S. gas prices is likely to push above $3 a gallon on March 2 for the first time this year.

Over the next couple of weeks, prices will likely hit at least $3.10 to $3.15 a gallon.

There’s also a normal seasonal increase in gas prices around this time of year, driven by seasonal pipeline maintenance, the transition to more expensive summer-blend fuel, and an increase in driving, according to GasBuddy analysis.

Rob Thummel, portfolio manager at $9 billion investment manager Tortoise Capital, expects gas prices to rise in roughly the same rate as oil prices over the coming weeks.

If crude jumps 10%, gas prices will as well, said Thummel.

Upstate SC Gas landscape

According to GasBuddy, in Greenville, Spartanburg, and Anderson, gas prices have shown similar trends to the national average, with drivers experiencing gradual increases at the pump.

Upstate South Carolina stations are adjusting prices in response to crude oil fluctuations and seasonal factors. Here’s the latest prices as of Mondy, March 2 at noon: