South Carolina Store Owner Acquitted in Teen’s Death
A store owner in South Carolina has been acquitted of murder charges after spending three years in prison awaiting trial for the fatal shooting of a 14-year-old. The incident happened in May 2023, and a Richland County jury found Rick Chow not guilty on June 1, 2026.
Chow and his son, Andy, had confronted Cyrus Cormac-Belton on suspicion of shoplifting, subsequently kicking him out of their convenience store in Columbia. Reports indicate that they chased the boy for approximately 100 yards before Chow fired a shot with a .45-caliber Glock, striking Cormac-Belton in the back.
At the time of the shooting, the teenager was armed with a semi-automatic handgun. Chow’s defense claimed he acted in self-defense after Cormac-Belton pointed the gun at Andy. The state acknowledged that the boy had a firearm but argued that it posed no immediate threat, as it had dropped on the ground during the chase.
Following the incident, Chow was charged with murder and held without bail for over three years until the trial. During the trial, which lasted three days, jury deliberations spanned about eight and a half hours, ending with their not guilty verdict.
The community experienced heightened tensions after the shooting, with public demonstrations and vandalism reported at Chow’s store. Activists gathered in his presence, indicating strong feelings surrounding the case.
Chow’s attorney expressed satisfaction with the jury’s decision, emphasizing the complex nature of the case and acknowledging the differing narratives surrounding it. He remarked, “It’s a tragic situation. But, I think a 14-year-old shouldn’t be on the streets with a loaded semi-automatic handgun.”
In contrast, a lawyer representing the Cormac-Belton family indicated plans to pursue civil action against Chow, highlighting their dissatisfaction with the outcome. The prosecutor, Byron Gipson, expressed disappointment but acknowledged the jury’s role in the justice system, urging the community to respect both the family and the memory of the deceased.
