Emergency hearing scheduled for store owner charged in fatal shooting of teen
Columbia convenience store owner Rick Chow was in court Tuesday morning for an emergency hearing before Judge Robert Hood.Chow's attorney Jack Swerling filed a
wlos.comHere’s the latest I can share based on available reporting:
Rick Chow, a former Columbia gas-station store owner, has been the subject of ongoing legal proceedings related to the 2023 fatal shooting of a 14-year-old outside his store. A recent report notes that his murder trial was set to begin in Richland County, South Carolina, in May 2026. The case centers on allegations that Chow shot Cyrus Carmack-Belton after a disputed interaction over shoplifting.[1]
Additional coverage from local outlets notes prior court actions around bond determinations and searches tied to the case, reflecting the continuing legal process and evidentiary considerations, including discussions of Stand Your Ground defenses and related motions.[2][5]
National and regional outlets have previously reported on the initial arrest and charges, with emphasis on the contested narrative regarding whether the teen posed a threat and whether Chow’s responses were lawful under state self-defense standards.[5][6]
Local and national video coverage in 2023–2025 documents multiple press briefings and courtroom updates as the case progressed, including statements from law enforcement about the shooting and subsequent legal arguments.[4][6]
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Columbia convenience store owner Rick Chow was in court Tuesday morning for an emergency hearing before Judge Robert Hood.Chow's attorney Jack Swerling filed a
wlos.comRich Chow has been charged with murder but his son Andy has not been charged.
www.bet.comThe murder trial for former Columbia convenience store owner Rick Chow is set to begin Tuesday in Richland County.Chow is charged in the May 28, 2023, shooting
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