In a deeply emotional verdict that has reverberated through the community, a South Carolina jury acquitted convenience store owner Chikei Rick Chow of murder in the shooting death of 14-year-old Cyrus Carmack-Belton. The incident, which occurred in 2023, has sparked widespread grief and outrage, particularly among the local African American population.
Chow, 61, who is of Asian descent, shot Carmack-Belton in the back after allegedly pursuing him from his store in Columbia. The store owner claimed he acted out of concern for his son during the confrontation. The jury’s decision was met with audible cries from Carmack-Belton’s family, who were present in the courtroom, while Chow remained composed, bowing his head in silence.
During the trial, the prosecution and defense presented starkly contrasting narratives surrounding the tragic event. Prosecutors argued that Chow’s actions were fueled by anger over a perceived theft of four bottles of water. They contended that Chow chased the teenager over 130 yards before firing, emphasizing that Carmack-Belton posed no immediate threat.
In contrast, defense attorney Shaun Kent asserted that Chow’s actions were a desperate response to a life-threatening situation. He claimed that Carmack-Belton had pointed a gun at Chow’s son, prompting the father to act. Kent’s argument hinged on the assertion that the situation was about a parent’s instinct to protect his child.
While prosecutors acknowledged that Carmack-Belton had a semiautomatic pistol, they maintained that it fell to the ground during the chase and was never used to threaten anyone. Solicitor Byron E. Gipson highlighted the lack of evidence supporting the defense’s claims, stating that no witnesses corroborated Chow’s version of events.
The tragic shooting has led to significant community outcry, with vigils and protests held in memory of Carmack-Belton. At one such vigil, empty water bottles were arranged to spell out the name “Cyrus,” serving as a poignant reminder of the life lost.
As the community grapples with the implications of this verdict, many are left wondering how this case will impact the ongoing dialogue about justice and accountability.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2026/06/01/us/south-carolina-murder-trial-cyrus-carmack-belton
