South Carolina Jury Acquits Store Owner In 2023 Teen Shooting
A Richland County jury on Monday, June 1, 2026, acquitted store owner Chikei Rick Chow of murder in the 2023 killing of 14-year-old Cyrus Carmack-Belton.[1]
Prosecutors had argued Chow wrongly suspected the teen of stealing water and chased him more than 130 yards before firing.[1] The defense said Chow shot to defend his son from a gun the teen pointed.[1] The county coroner said Carmack-Belton died from a gunshot to the right lower back, a wound consistent with running away.[1]
The 2023 shooting prompted protests and vigils and drew scrutiny because Chow had previously fired at suspected shoplifters in separate incidents that officials had ruled self-defense.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- On Monday, June 1, 2026, a Richland County jury acquitted Chikei Rick Chow of murder in the 2023 killing of 14-year-old Cyrus Carmack-Belton.
- Coroner Nadia Rutherford said in 2023 that Carmack-Belton died from a gunshot wound to the right lower back, consistent with running away.
- Prosecutors said Chow wrongly suspected the teen of stealing water and chased him over 130 yards before shooting; the defense argued Chow was defending his son from a gun pointed by the teen.
- The shooting sparked protests and vigils, and officials noted Chow had previously fired at shoplifters in separate incidents ruled self-defense.
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June 02, 2026