In brief
The verdict, announced Monday, ends criminal proceedings against Chow but does not stop the Carmack‑Belton family from pursuing civil action. Prosecutors and defense attorneys presented opposing views of the shooting—Chow’s claim of defending his son versus the store owner’s alleged frustration over a perceived theft. Community members mourned the loss and weigh the implications of the decision.
COLUMBIA, S.C (AP) — A South Carolina jury on Monday found convenience store owner Chikei Rick Chow not guilty of murder in the 2023 shooting of 14‑year‑old Cyrus Carmack‑Belton.
Chow, 61 and Asian, shot Carmack‑Belton in the back after chasing the teenager from his store. Chow maintained he acted to protect his son.
The killing sent waves of anguish and grief through the African American community in Richland County, where nearly half the population is Black.
After the verdict, tears and sobbing came from Carmack‑Belton’s family in the gallery while Chow sat silent, then bowed his head.
Defense lawyer Jack Swerling said the verdict was a relief but expressed sympathy for the family. “My heart goes out to them, but the 14‑year‑old should not be roaming the streets of Columbia or South Carolina with a semiautomatic pistol loaded and ready to fire,” he said.
Todd Rutherford, a state legislator and attorney, stood beside Carmack‑Belton’s father and told reporters the verdict feels like a dismissal of their children’s value. He announced a civil lawsuit will be pursued. “I’ve been practicing law for almost 30 years. I’ve never seen anything like this. I don’t understand it,” he said.
Prosecutors claimed Chow acted in anger because he mistakenly thought the teen stole four bottles of water from the store. A defense lawyer argued Chow fired to defend his son after the teen pointed a gun at him.
Defense attorney Shaun Kent told jurors, “This case is not about a shoplifter. It’s about a father who sees a gun pointed at his son and has to decide.” He noted that Andy Chow testified the teen pointed a gun at him.
Prosecutors acknowledged that Carmack‑Belton had a semiautomatic pistol; they say it fell on the ground during the chase and the teen never threatened anyone. They also said Chow chased the teen more than 130 yards from the store.
Prosecutor Gipson said Chow chased the teen down and shot him in the back, placing a bottle of water before jurors and emphasizing Chow’s belief that a human had less value than a weapon.
Witnesses testified they saw no gun or threat from the teen; none testified the teen pointed a gun at Chow.
The fatal shooting prompted vigils and protests outside the store. Empty water bottles were arranged to spell “Cyrus” at one 2023 vigil.
