Account

The Actual News

Just the Facts, from multiple news sources.

South Carolina store owner acquitted of murder in 2023 killing of Black teen

South Carolina store owner acquitted of murder in 2023 killing of Black teen

Summary

A South Carolina jury found store owner Chikei Rick Chow not guilty of murder in the 2023 shooting death of 14-year-old Cyrus Carmack-Belton. Chow said he shot the teen to protect his son, while prosecutors said the teen was shot in the back while running away.

Key Facts

  • The shooting happened in Columbia, South Carolina, in 2023.
  • Chikei Rick Chow, 61, is the owner of the convenience store and is Asian.
  • Cyrus Carmack-Belton, the victim, was a 14-year-old Black boy.
  • Chow said he acted to defend his son, who he claimed was threatened by the teen with a gun.
  • Prosecutors said the teen had a gun but dropped it during the chase and was not threatening anyone.
  • The teen was shot in the back while running away from the store.
  • The incident caused protests and vigils in the community.
  • Chow had previous encounters where he used a gun against shoplifters but those were ruled self-defense.
Read the Full Article

This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.