A store owner in South Carolina who spent three years in jail before his trial was acquitted of a murder charge after shooting and killing an armed teen outside the store in 2023.
A jury in Richland County found Rick Chow not guilty Monday in the shooting death of 14-year-old Cyrus Cormack-Belton.
On May 28, 2023, Chow and his son, Andy Chow, pursued Cormack-Belton out of their Columbia, South Carolina, convenience store after suspecting him of shoplifting.
The father and son duo chased the teen about 100 yards before Chow shot him in the back with a .45-caliber Glock handgun, killing Cormack-Belton, according to the the not-guilty verdict, Chow was released from custody, and is now a free man for the first time since 2023.
"We’re very pleased at the jury’s deliberations and their verdict," one of Chow’s attorneys, Jack Swerling, said after the not-guilty verdict, civil lawsuit against Chow.
Fifth Circuit Solicitor Byron Gipson, who prosecuted the case, told Fox News Digital he was disappointed by the outcome.
"Last night's verdict has brought on strong emotions from our local and national communities. While I am disappointed with last night's outcome and continue to believe that Rick Chow's actions were not justifiable, I respect our criminal justice system and the jury's decision," he said. "As our community processes this outcome, we will continue to uplift the Carmack-Belton family in our thoughts and prayers. I ask that you honor both the family and Cyrus' memory by supporting them in a peaceful manner during this difficult time."
Fox News Digital reached out to Swerling.