A South Carolina jury has acquitted convenience store owner Rick Chow of murder charges in the 2023 shooting death of 14-year-old Cyrus Carmack-Belton, a case that drew national attention and renewed debate over self-defense, race, and accountability. Prosecutors said Chow chased the teen outside his Columbia store in May 2023 and shot him in the back while he was running away. The incident centered on Chow’s belief that the boy had stolen four bottles of water, but authorities later determined Cyrus had not stolen anything. The verdict left the Carmack-Belton family grieving and furious, with relatives saying the video evidence showed their unarmed son fleeing for his life when he was shot. They argued that the justice system failed Cyrus and said the jury’s decision did not reflect the reality of what happened.
The defense argued that Chow believed he was protecting his son during the confrontation after Cyrus allegedly pointed a firearm at him. Prosecutors acknowledged that Cyrus had a 9mm pistol, but maintained that it fell during the chase and was never used to threaten anyone. Testimony on that point was sharply disputed throughout the trial. After deliberation, the jury found Chow not guilty, prompting emotional reactions in the courtroom as family members broke down in tears.
Outside the courthouse, the family’s attorney said they would continue pursuing justice through civil court. Their civil lawsuit had been paused while the criminal trial was underway, and the family now plans to resume that effort. Cyrus’ parents have repeatedly said the evidence showed their son was running away when he was shot. His mother, Nicole Carmack, said the outcome proved the justice system failed her child, while his father described the acquittal as another painful example of how Black boys and young Black men are often denied justice.
The case had already sparked protests, vigils, and widespread discussion when it first happened in 2023. For many supporters of the family, the acquittal has deepened the sense of outrage and loss. The Carmack-Belton family says their fight is not over and that they will continue seeking accountability for the death of their son.
