In a significant legal decision, Rick Chow, a store owner from Columbia, South Carolina, was acquitted of murder charges after spending over three years in jail awaiting trial. Chow was charged following the 2023 shooting of 14-year-old Cyrus Cormack-Belton outside his convenience store.

Incident Details

The incident occurred on May 28, 2023, when Chow and his son, Andy Chow, suspected Cormack-Belton of shoplifting. The father and son pursued the teen approximately 100 yards from their store. During the chase, Chow shot Cormack-Belton in the back with a .45-caliber Glock handgun, resulting in the teen’s death.

According to Chow’s defense, Cormack-Belton was carrying a semiautomatic pistol and allegedly aimed it at Andy Chow, prompting the elder Chow to fire in self-defense. The prosecution acknowledged the teen was armed but argued the gun had fallen and posed no threat when Chow fired the fatal shot.

Community Reaction and Legal Proceedings

The shooting led to heightened tensions within the community, with public demonstrations and gatherings outside Chow’s store. The store was vandalized following the announcement of Chow’s murder charge. Chow’s trial spanned three days, with the jury deliberating for over eight hours before reaching a not-guilty verdict.

Following the verdict, Chow was released from custody, marking his first taste of freedom since 2023. His attorney, Jack Swerling, expressed satisfaction with the jury’s decision, despite acknowledging the complexity of the case. Swerling emphasized the dangers of a young teenager carrying a loaded semiautomatic pistol on the streets.

Meanwhile, the Cormack-Belton family, represented by attorney Todd Rutherford, plans to file a civil lawsuit against Chow, seeking further legal recourse.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.