Family, Supporters Gather to Honor Cyrus Carmack-Belton at Memorial in Columbia
The family plans a civil suit as protests grew outside the gas station after the not-guilty verdict, officials said.
- On Monday, a Richland County jury acquitted former gas station owner Rick Chow of murder in the 2023 shooting death of 14-year-old Cyrus Carmack-Belton following a four-day trial.
- The fatal May 28, 2023, encounter began when Chow pursued Carmack-Belton over 130 yards after wrongly suspecting him of stealing bottled water; his defense claimed self-defense, asserting the teen pointed a 9mm pistol at Chow's son.
- Prosecutors argued the shooting was unjustified, noting no independent witnesses saw the teenager point a firearm. Fifth Circuit Solicitor Byron Gipson stated he remains disappointed in the outcome but respects the jury's decision.
- Protesters gathered on Tuesday at the former gas station, displaying signs reading "Justice 4 Cyrus" and holding water bottles aloft as community leaders warned against racial backlash and boycotts of Asian-owned businesses.
- Attorney Todd Rutherford confirmed the family plans to proceed with a 2024 civil lawsuit against Chow and related defendants. Meanwhile, civil rights group Protect Our Stolen Treasures is calling for a U.S. Department of Justice review to determine whether federal civil rights violations occurred.
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Rick Chow's 'Not Guilty' Verdict Sparks Calls to Boycott Asian-Owned Businesses
The acquittal of former convenience store owner Chikei Rick Chow in the fatal shooting of 14-year-old Cyrus Carmack-Belton has reignited painful divisions in South Carolina, with community leaders warning against racial backlash after calls emerged on social media urging people to boycott Asian-owned businesses. A jury in Columbia found Rick Chow, 61, not guilty of murder over the 2023 death of Carmack-Belton, a Black teenager who was shot durin…
Cyrus Carmack-Belton: Family Reacts To 'Not Guilty' Murder Trial Verdict For Rick Chow, 'We Do Not Accept!'
Source: FabrikaCr / Getty We’re not surprised but no less angry… A South Carolina jury’s decision to acquit convenience store owner Rick Chow of criminal charges related to the death of 14-year-old Cyrus Carmack-Belton has left the teen’s family devastated and vowing to continue their fight in civil court. ABC News reports that Chow, 61, was found not guilty of murder after a closely watched trial stemming from the fatal shooting of Carmack-Belt…
NAACP Columbia SC Branch Issues Statement Following Not Guilty Verdict in Cyrus Carmack-Belton Case - The MinorityEye
(Columbia, SC) — The NAACP Columbia SC Branch has issued an official statement following the not guilty verdict in the Rick Chow case, a decision that has sparked grief, frustration, and renewed concern across the Columbia and Richland County community. The statement acknowledges the pain carried by the family of Cyrus Carmack-Belton and calls on the community to remain committed to justice, equity, accountability, and human dignity. The full st…
After acquittal in Cyrus Carmack-Belton shooting, Columbia leaders call for peace amid outrage
Local leaders and community members expressed disappointment with the verdict, while Rick Chow’s attorneys defended the result and called on leaders to denounce backlash.
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