COLUMBIA, South Carolina — A South Carolina jury has found convenience store owner Chikei Rick Chow not guilty of murder in the fatal shooting of 14-year-old Cyrus Carmack-Belton, bringing a closely watched case to a conclusion nearly three years after the incident.
The verdict was delivered Monday following a trial that examined the circumstances surrounding the June 2023 shooting, which drew widespread public attention and prompted discussions about self-defense laws, gun possession, and community relations in Columbia.
Chow, 61, admitted to shooting Carmack-Belton after pursuing him from his store but argued throughout the trial that he acted to protect his son during what he believed was a life-threatening situation.
Conflicting Accounts Presented in Court
During closing arguments, prosecutors and defense attorneys offered sharply different interpretations of the events leading up to the shooting.
Prosecutors contended that Chow mistakenly believed the teenager had stolen several bottles of water from the convenience store and acted out of anger. They argued that Carmack-Belton was fleeing and was shot in the back after being chased a significant distance from the store.
According to the prosecution, multiple witnesses reported seeing the teen run from the area without displaying a weapon or threatening anyone. Prosecutors maintained that a handgun in the teen’s possession had fallen to the ground during the pursuit and was not used to intimidate Chow or his family.
Defense attorneys, however, argued that Chow made a split-second decision after witnessing what he believed was a direct threat to his son’s safety. The defense cited testimony from Chow’s son, who claimed Carmack-Belton pointed a firearm at him during the encounter.
“This case centers on a father responding to what he perceived as a threat against his child,” defense attorneys told jurors during the trial.
Emotional Reactions Following Verdict
The courtroom atmosphere turned emotional after the jury announced its decision. Family members of Carmack-Belton expressed grief and disappointment, while Chow remained largely silent as the verdict was read.
Following the ruling, members of the defense team acknowledged the tragedy of the teenager’s death while expressing satisfaction with the jury’s decision.
Representatives of Carmack-Belton’s family did not immediately provide public comments after the verdict.
Case Drew Significant Public Attention
The fatal shooting generated strong reactions throughout Richland County and beyond. Community members organized vigils, demonstrations, and memorial gatherings in honor of Carmack-Belton, calling for justice and accountability.
The case became a focal point for broader conversations about race, firearm possession, self-defense claims, and the responsibilities of business owners during suspected criminal incidents.
As the legal proceedings conclude, the verdict is likely to remain a topic of discussion among community leaders, legal analysts, and residents reflecting on the circumstances that led to the teenager’s death.
The acquittal closes the criminal case against Chow, but the shooting continues to leave a lasting impact on many members of the Columbia community.
