COLUMBIA, S.C. — A Richland County jury on Monday found Chikei “Rick” Chow, 61, not guilty of murder in the 2023 shooting death of 14-year-old Cyrus Carmack-Belton outside his Columbia convenience store.

The incident occurred on May 28, 2023, at the Xpress Mart Shell station on Parklane Road. Chow and his family believed the teen had stolen bottles of water. Surveillance video showed Carmack-Belton handling water bottles but returning them before leaving the store.

Chow and his son chased the teenager more than 130 yards. Chow fired a single shot that struck Carmack-Belton in the back. A loaded 9mm handgun with a laser sight was later found on or near the teen. Chow claimed he acted in self-defense after his son said the boy pointed the gun at him.

Chow spent nearly three years in jail awaiting trial. The jury deliberated for several hours before returning the not guilty verdict.

Carmack-Belton’s family expressed deep disappointment and heartbreak after the verdict. The case has sparked strong reactions across the community regarding self-defense laws, youth crime, and store safety.