Full Breakdown
Jury Acquits South Carolina Store Owner in 2023 Shooting of 14-Year-Old Cyrus Carmack-Belton
6/5/2026, 3:33:42 AM
Acquittal of Chikei Rick Chow
On Monday, a Richland County jury found Chikei “Rick” Chow, 60, not guilty of murder for the 2023 shooting of 14-year-old Cyrus Carmack-Belton outside his former Columbia convenience store. Prosecutors said Chow acted out of anger over an alleged theft of four bottles of water; the defense argued he fired only after his son saw the teen point a gun. The 12-person jury included seven Black members.
Background & Context
The verdict revived the 1991 Latasha Harlins case, where an Asian clerk shot a Black teen over a $1.79 orange-juice bottle, sparking unrest. Prosecutor Byron Gipson placed a water bottle before jurors, noting Chow “believed that a human is not more than that.” Records show Chow was involved in two earlier shop-lifting confrontations (2015, 2018) in which he discharged firearms but faced no charges. The shooting followed Chow’s chase of Carmack-Belton about 130 yards over four bottles of water worth under $5. Key participants: Sheriff Leon Lott (who made the arrest), defense attorneys Shaun Kent and Jack Swerling, and the current gas-station owners, who bought the property in 2023 and deny ties to the Chow family.
Official Statements & Responses
Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott told protesters he was “pissed off as much as anybody else” and was unhappy with the verdict. The gas-station owners expressed condolences and said they have no relationship with the Chow family. Prosecutor Gipson called the incident an overreaction to petty theft; defense attorney Shaun Kent said, “I don’t judge, God does.”
Criticism & Opposition
Activists launched a social-media boycott, urging consumers to avoid Asian-owned nail salons, hair stores, and convenience stores. An Instagram user wrote, “Stop shopping at the store, stop spending our money with them. These people are the biggest consumers of Black people.” Critics argue the verdict echoes the Harlins case and deepens racial inequities in the justice system.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I made the arrest; it is our case. I’m not happy about it.” — Sheriff Leon Lott
- “I don’t judge, God does.” — Shaun Kent, defense attorney
- “believed that a human is not more than that.” — Prosecutor Byron Gipson
- “Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the victim’s family, friends, and loved ones,” — Current gas-station owners
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The defense says Chow fired only after his son saw the teen point a gun; prosecutors say no witness saw a weapon and attribute the shooting to anger over water bottles. Video of Chow’s earlier confrontations has not been released, leaving uncertainty about their impact on the trial.
What’s Next
Todd Rutherford says the Carmack-Belton family will file a civil suit against Chow. Protesters plan further rallies, and calls for broader boycotts of Asian-American businesses remain active.
