Key Facts

• Cyrus Carmack-Belton was shot and killed in May 2023 during a chase outside a gas station.
• The shooting started after Carmack-Belton was suspected of stealing water bottles from Chow’s store.
• Chow and his son chased the teenager, and Chow fired one shot that hit Carmack-Belton in the back.
• Prosecutors said the teen was running away and not a threat when shot; the defense said Chow believed his son was in danger and that the teen had a gun.
• A jury found Chow not guilty of murder after about eight hours of deliberation.
• The verdict means prosecutors did not prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
• The family’s lawyer said they will pursue a civil wrongful death case, which has a lower proof requirement than criminal court.
• The family showed strong emotions in court after the verdict was announced.