Jury Finds Rick Chow Not Guilty in Fatal Shooting of 14-Year-Old Cyrus Carmack-Belton

A Richland County jury has found Rick Chow not guilty in the 2023 shooting death of 14-year-old Cyrus Carmack-Belton, bringing a closely watched and emotionally charged case to a conclusion after nearly three years.

The verdict was delivered Monday following approximately eight hours of jury deliberations after a five-day trial in Columbia, South Carolina. Chow, who had been held in jail since his arrest, was acquitted of murder charges stemming from the May 28, 2023, shooting outside his family's Shell gas station on Parklane Road.

Prosecutors argued that Chow and his son, Andy Chow, pursued Carmack-Belton after wrongly suspecting him of stealing water bottles from the store. Surveillance footage reviewed during the investigation showed the teen had not stolen anything. During the trial, prosecutors maintained that the confrontation escalated after the Chows left the store and chased the teenager down a nearby street.

Jurors heard testimony from eyewitnesses who said they saw Carmack-Belton running from the Chows before the shooting. Several witnesses testified they did not see the teen holding a gun during the pursuit. Prosecutors also presented testimony from forensic pathologist Dr. Amy Durso, who stated the fatal bullet entered through Carmack-Belton's back and struck his heart, describing the wound as consistent with someone running away.

The defense, however, argued the shooting was an act of protection rather than retaliation. Attorneys for Chow contended that Carmack-Belton pointed a handgun at Andy Chow during the chase, causing Rick Chow to fear for his son's life. Andy Chow testified that he believed he was about to be shot. Defense attorneys also pointed to 911 calls and body camera footage in which both father and son immediately reported that the teen had a firearm.

Following the verdict, emotions ran high inside and outside the courtroom. Members of Carmack-Belton's family were visibly distraught, while Chow's attorneys said the jury reached the correct decision based on the evidence presented.

Attorney Todd Rutherford, who represents the Carmack-Belton family, criticized the outcome and announced plans to continue pursuing a civil lawsuit against Chow. The case sparked widespread protests and community discussions following the shooting, and Monday's verdict is expected to continue fueling debate over self-defense, accountability, and justice.