Overview
- A Columbia jury returned a not-guilty verdict Monday for 61-year-old Chikei Rick Chow, ending the criminal murder case over the May 28, 2023, death of Cyrus Carmack-Belton.
- Prosecutors said Chow chased the unarmed teen more than 130 yards after suspecting he stole water and shot him in the back during the pursuit.
- The defense argued Chow fired to protect his son after the teen allegedly pointed a semiautomatic pistol, and Chow and his son testified to seeing the weapon.
- Prosecutors and multiple witnesses said they did not see the teen point a gun and said the pistol fell during the chase, while witnesses described Cyrus as running away and frightened.
- Cyrus’s family reacted with sorrow and vowed civil action led by attorney Todd Rutherford, and the case has continued to roil the local community through vigils, protests and long-term tensions.