This is the Day 2 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 2 Trial Summary
Day 2 of the trial (May 28, 2026), focused on the continuation of the prosecution’s evidence, featuring testimonies from eyewitnesses, forensic specialists, first responders, the lead detective, and the forensic pathologist. Eyewitnesses Jasmine Broadwater and Devonte Bryant recounted seeing Rick Chow and his son pursuing 14-year-old Cyrus Belton, describing the chase dynamics and the shooting, though defense cross-examination highlighted prior statement inconsistencies and noted Belton tossing an item. First responder and forensic experts detailed technical findings, including the store’s 39-camera surveillance setup, physical evidence collected from the autopsy (such as a single shoe and bullet projectile), and firearm functionality. Lead Detective Taima Jordan authenticated store CCTV and officer bodycam footage, confirming that Belton did not steal merchandise or brandish a weapon inside the store, while conceding under cross-examination that Belton unlawfully possessed a handgun bearing his DNA. Finally, Forensic Pathologist Dr. Amy Derso established that Belton died from a single gunshot wound entering his lower right back—perforating his 11th rib, vertebrae, right lung, and heart—officially ruling the manner of death a homicide and reinforcing the prosecution’s position that Belton was shot from behind while fleeing.
Witness-by-Witness Summaries
Taima Jordan – Lead Detective
Key summaries (Click arrow for more)
The lead law enforcement detective in charge of investigating the homicide.
Summary Of Testimony
Jordan presented central surveillance and bodycam footage proving that Belton did not commit theft or brandish a weapon while inside the store. Cross-examination established that Belton was 14 years old and unlawfully carried a firearm bearing his DNA, while also noting that store footwear could not be recovered because Alice Chow had moved the shoes prior to collection.
Key evidence introduced!
- Nothing Of Note.
Amy Derso – Forensic Pathologist
Key summaries (Click arrow for more)
Connection to the case
The forensic pathologist who conducted the autopsy on 14-year-old Cyrus Belton on May 29, 2023.
Summary Of Testimony
Dr. Derso detailed the physical characteristics of the victim (5’8″, 114 lbs) and established that the cause of death was a gunshot wound to the torso, with the manner of death determined to be homicide. Her testimony confirmed the entry wound entered from behind, though she conceded on cross-examination that a slightly angled stance by the victim was possible during impact.
Key evidence introduced!
- Nothing Of Note.
Devonte Bryant – Eyewitness
Key summaries (Click arrow for more)
Connection to the case
An eyewitness driving a vehicle near the scene who had to slow down to avoid the fleeing individuals.
Summary Of Testimony
Bryant described swerving to avoid the running group and watching Chow and his son chase Belton down the street toward an apartment complex. The defense cross-examined him on his criminal history, prior statements to police, and discrepancies regarding whether Belton was standing or on the ground when shot.
Key evidence introduced!
- Nothing Of Note.
Full report below!
Sources:
LIVE: Gas Station Store Murder Trial  — SC v Rick Chow  — Day Two, Law & Crime Trials Youtube Channel, Available Online: https://www.youtube.com/live/m3jf_2SLnVc?si=DOPdprBohl_whjlk
