'We do not accept it': Family reacts to acquittal in fatal shooting of 14-year-old
The family of 14-year-old Cyrus Carmack-Belton expressed their outrage following the acquittal of Chikei Rick Chow, who fatally shot him in 2023. They stated that the jury's decision disregarded the evidence of their son running away and emphasized the pain of losing a child to violence. The family plans to pursue a civil lawsuit against Chow to seek justice for Cyrus.
- ▪Cyrus Carmack-Belton was shot in the back by Chikei Rick Chow outside a convenience store in Columbia, South Carolina, in May 2023.
- ▪The jury acquitted Chow despite video evidence showing Carmack-Belton running away from him and his son.
- ▪Carmack-Belton's family plans to take legal action against Chow in civil court following the criminal trial.
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ABC NewsLiveVideoShowsGood Morning AmericaShopGMAInterest Successfully AddedWe'll notify you here with news aboutTurn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? OffOnStream on'We do not accept it': Family reacts to acquittal in fatal shooting of 14-year-old Cyrus Carmack-BeltonChikei Rick Chow shot the 14-year-old in the back in May 2023.ByJeana Fermi and Sabina GhebremedhinJune 2, 2026, 8:41 PM2:08Troy Belton, center, father of Cyrus Carmack-Belton, reacts after a not guilty verdict against Chikei Rick Chow, a convenience store owner accused in the 2023 fatal shooting of his 14-year-old son, during a murder trial, on June 1, 2026, in Columbia, S.C.
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