A South Carolina jury found convenience store owner Chikei Rick Chow, 61, not guilty of murder on June 1, 2024, for the 2023 shooting death of 14-year-old Cyrus Carmack-Belton. The incident occurred on May 28, 2023, when Chow chased Cyrus out of his Columbia store after suspecting him of shoplifting water bottles. Chow's defense argued he shot the Black teen, who was holding a gun, to protect his adult son, who testified the gun was pointed at him. Prosecutors contended Cyrus did not brandish the weapon while fleeing. The shooting sparked protests and national outrage, especially given the community's demographics. The Carmack-Belton family plans to file a civil lawsuit.