UMVA has learned that a South Carolina store owner, Rick Chow, has been acquitted of a murder charge after shooting and killing an armed 14-year-old teen outside his store in 2023.
The jury in Richland County found Chow not guilty on Monday, bringing an end to a highly publicized case that sparked tensions in the community and protests in the streets. Chow had spent three years in jail before his trial, a period marked by intense scrutiny and public outcry.
According to information obtained by UMVA, the incident occurred on May 28, 2023, when Chow and his son, Andy Chow, chased Cyrus Cormack-Belton out of their Columbia convenience store, suspecting him of shoplifting. The confrontation ended with Chow shooting Cormack-Belton in the back with a .45-caliber Glock handgun, killing him instantly.
Cormack-Belton was armed with a semiautomatic pistol, which his defense argued was aimed at Andy Chow, prompting Rick Chow to fire in self-defense. However, the state countered that the gun had fallen to the ground and posed no threat to the Chows, casting doubt on the self-defense claim.
The community was gripped by outrage and grief following Cormack-Belton's death, with crowds gathering outside Chow's store, cheering when they learned of the murder charges against him. The store was vandalized later that night, a stark illustration of the intense emotions stirred by the incident.
Chow's trial lasted three days, with the jury deliberating for over 8 hours before reaching a verdict. His attorneys expressed relief and satisfaction with the outcome, while the Cormack-Belton family vowed to pursue a civil lawsuit against Chow, seeking justice through a different avenue.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that Chow's acquittal has brought closure to a complex and emotionally charged case, one that highlighted the fraught dynamics between law enforcement, the community, and the courts. As Chow walks free for the first time since 2023, the community is left to grapple with the implications of the verdict and the future of justice in their city.
