Key facts
- Rick Chow was acquitted of murder charges in the shooting death of Cyrus Carmack-Belton.
- Chow had been held without bond for over three years before his trial.
- The shooting occurred in 2023 after Chow suspected Carmack-Belton of shoplifting.
- Carmack-Belton was carrying a semiautomatic pistol at the time of the incident.
- Chow's defense argued self-defense, while the prosecution stated the teen's gun had fallen and posed no danger.
Rick Chow, a South Carolina store owner, has been acquitted of murder charges in the fatal shooting of 14-year-old Cyrus Carmack-Belton. Chow had spent just over three years in jail without bond leading up to his trial. The incident occurred in May 2023 when Chow and his son, Andy Chow, pursued Carmack-Belton out of their convenience store after suspecting him of shoplifting. The chase extended about 100 yards before Chow shot the teen in the back with a .45-caliber Glock handgun. Carmack-Belton was carrying a semiautomatic pistol at the time. Chow's defense argued that the teen aimed the gun at Andy Chow, prompting the elder Chow to fire in self-defense. The state acknowledged the teen had a gun but argued it had fallen and posed no threat. Following a three-day trial, the jury deliberated for approximately 8 1/2 hours before reaching a not-guilty verdict. Chow was released from custody immediately after the verdict. The family of Cyrus Carmack-Belton intends to file a civil lawsuit against Chow.