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Jury Acquits Store Owner in 2023 Killing of 14‑Year‑Old Cyrus Carmack‑Belton

The verdict leaves the victim’s family pursuing a civil lawsuit.

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This image provided by the Richland County Sheriff's Department shows Rick Chow, who has been charged, Monday, May 29, 2023, with murder in the death of a 14-year-old Cyrus Carmack-Belton. (Richland County Sheriff's Department via AP)
A peaceful protest on May 29, 2023, ended in a break-in and vandalism of the gas station convenience store owned by Chikei Rick Chow, who was acquitted of murder in the shooting death of 14-year-old Cyrus Carmack-Belton. This photo provided by the Richland County Sheriff's Department in 2023 shows the aftermath of the vandalism.

Overview

  • A Richland County jury found Chikei Rick Chow not guilty of murder on June 1, 2026, after roughly eight hours of deliberation.
  • The fatal shooting occurred in May 2023 when Chow and his son chased 14‑year‑old Cyrus Carmack‑Belton from their Parklane Road convenience store and Chow shot him in the back as he ran away.
  • The trial turned on sharply different accounts of a handgun: prosecutors said the teen’s pistol fell during the chase and was never brandished, while the defense said the teen pointed the gun at Chow’s son and Chow fired to protect him; surveillance video also showed the water bottles at issue were returned.
  • A judge had denied Chow Stand Your Ground immunity and bond before trial, leaving him jailed for about three years until his acquittal.
  • Carmack‑Belton’s family condemned the verdict, have filed a civil suit against Chow, and local leaders say the case will continue to shape debate over self‑defense law, evidence standards, and racial justice in Richland County.