This is the Day 1 of 4 trial report of the murder trial of Rick Chow, accused of killing Cyrus Carmac Belton after he suspected the child of shoplifting. Rick Chow pleads not guilty on the grounds of self-defence.
Case Report
Factual background:
Chow and his son, Andy, pursued Carmack-Belton for over 130 yards down a nearby street, during which the teenager lost a shoe and fell. As the chase unfolded, Chow drew a concealed handgun and shot Carmack-Belton once in the lower back, resulting in a fatal injury. While Carmack-Belton was carrying a loaded 9mm handgun in his possession, prosecutors argued he was running away and posed no active threat, whereas Chow’s defense maintained he fired under defense of others because his son claimed Carmack-Belton pointed a firearm at him during the pursuit.
Criminal complaint:
CHARGES:
1. 2nd Degree Murder of Cyrus Belton – Not Guilty – decided on 1st June 2026
Victim(s): Cyrus Carmack-Belton (14 Years Old)
Courthouse: Richland County Courthouse, South Carolina.
Officers of the court
Judge:
Attorneys
Prosecution:
SC Dale Scott
SC Byron Gipson
SC Stephanie Wilson
SC Weston Liefer
Defence:
Jack Swirling
Shaun Kent
Patrick Wright
Legend:
SC = Solicitor
SC v. Rick Chow – Day 1 Trial Summary
Day 1 of the trial (May 27, 2026), focused on the prosecution’s initial presentation of evidence regarding the fatal shooting of 14-year-old Cyrus Belton at a Shell gas station on May 28, 2023. The State called four witnesses—a first-responding patrol officer, a video analyst, and two eyewitnesses—to establish the scene timeline, video records, and physical dynamics of the foot pursuit. Officer Derrick English authenticated body-worn camera footage showing defendant Rick Chow admitting to shooting Belton over alleged shoplifting, while confirming that law enforcement subsequently verified Belton took nothing from the store and never brandished a weapon. Video analyst Justin Martin authenticated surveillance clips of Belton entering the store. Eyewitnesses Laurie Anne Carson and Kennedy Carson provided critical accounts of the pursuit, describing Belton as terrified, running away, losing his shoes and backpack, and carrying nothing in his hands, with Kennedy explicitly testifying that Belton never turned around toward his pursuers. While cross-examination highlighted that Chow eventually attempted mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and noted the presence of a laser light on a gun found near a tree, the day’s proceedings anchored the prosecution’s premise that Belton was an unarmed, fleeing victim falsely accused of theft.
Witness-by-Witness Summaries
Derrick English – Patrol Officer
Key summaries (Click arrow for more)
The first responding law enforcement officer on the scene of the shooting at the Shell gas station on Park Lane.
Summary Of Testimony
Officer English established the immediate post-incident scene and initial statement timeline, capturing Chow’s on-scene confession and false shoplifting rationale on bodycam. His testimony proved foundational in establishing that Belton had not stolen items or threatened anyone inside the store, while cross-examination brought out physical firearm details and clarified initial CPR efforts on scene.
Key evidence introduced!
- Nothing Of Note.
Laurie Anne Carson – Eyewitness
Key summaries (Click arrow for more)
Connection to the case
An eyewitness who stopped at the gas station with her daughter to buy candy and observed the pursuit and its immediate aftermath.
Summary Of Testimony
Carson provided graphic eyewitness testimony of the foot pursuit, establishing that Belton appeared terrified and carried no visible weapon. Her testimony detailed the initial medical response on scene, while cross-examination established that Chow performed mouth-to-mouth resuscitation before officers arrived.
Key evidence introduced!
- Nothing Of Note.
Kennedy Carson – Eyewitness
Key summaries (Click arrow for more)
Connection to the case
An eyewitness sitting in the passenger seat of her mother’s vehicle during their stop at the gas station.
Summary Of Testimony
Kennedy Carson corroborated her mother’s account of the chase, establishing that Belton was actively fleeing, visibly terrified, and did not turn around or hold a weapon during the pursuit. Cross-examination probed her initial hesitations and dispatch statements, but her direct testimony remained crucial in demonstrating that the fleeing teenager posed no visible threat.
Key evidence introduced!
- Nothing Of Note.
Full report below!
Sources:
LIVE: Gas Station Store Murder Trial  — SC v Rick Chow  — Day One, Law & Crime Trials Youtube Channel, Available Online: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zE-jlGsdSZ4
