'We do not accept it': Family reacts to acquittal in fatal shooting of 14-year-old Cyrus Carmack-Belton
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Key Points:
- A South Carolina jury acquitted Chikei Rick Chow, a 61-year-old store owner, in the fatal shooting of 14-year-old Cyrus Carmack-Belton outside Chow's store in May 2023.
- The family of Carmack-Belton condemned the verdict, emphasizing that Cyrus was unarmed, running away, and did not steal anything, as shown in video evidence.
- Chow was charged with murder after allegedly shooting Carmack-Belton in the back, with prosecutors stating Chow acted on a false belief of shoplifting, while the defense claimed self-defense to protect Chow’s son.
- The Carmack-Belton family linked the case to broader issues of violence against Black communities and announced plans to pursue a civil lawsuit against Chow despite the criminal acquittal.
- The civil lawsuit filed by the family was previously put on hold pending the criminal trial but is now set to proceed in Richland County.