South Carolina convenience store owner is facing charges of murder after shooting a teen in the back. Cyrus Carmack-Belton, the 14-year-old victim, was accused of stealing water bottles from the store.
The 58-year-old Shell gas station owner, Rick Chow, chased Belton and shot him down from behind. Chow’s son said that Belton was armed and was threatening them, causing Chow to shoot. However, no traces of a weapon was found on the boy.
The Richland County Sheriff commented that the act was senseless. Stealing water bottles and shooting someone over it just doesn’t connect.
Even more astonishing is the fact that the initial accusation of Belton shoplifting is also doubted by department officials as there is no proof supporting Chow’s words. A review of the surveillance footage showed no evidence of Belton shoplifting or carrying a weapon.
According to the sheriff, “You don’t shoot somebody in the back that is not a threat to you.” South Carolina’s self-defense laws forbid the shooter from instigating an incident. It is allowed only when the person is in imminent danger, with no way to avoid it.
Chow had thought Belton had shoplifted four bottles of water. However, authorities confirmed that the boy had already put the bottles back in the cooler and was running away from the store when he was shot dead.
There was no other injury to Belton’s body other than an abrasion from falling and the bullet wound. This also juxtaposes Chow’s claim that they had a scuffle before he ran out. The bullet hit the teen in the back and pierced his heart.
Chow has called the police over shoplifting several times over the past years, and sometimes they have resulted in scuffles. However, the officers claimed he was acting in self-defense and was never charged. The shooting on Sunday, however, can never be justified.
Sheriff Lott commented, “Even if he had shoplifted four bottles of water, which he had taken out of the cooler and then put back — even if he had done that, that’s not something you should shoot anybody over, much less a 14-year-old.”
Public Reaction Over Cyrus Carmack Belton’s Murder
There was a peaceful protest on Monday following the day of the shooting. People gathered outside the store and hosted a vigil to honor the 14-year-old. Balloons, candles, and water bottles were lined down the street. People held signs demanding justice for the victim and called for the shop to close.
However, the store was broken into after dark. When the police arrived, the window glasses were broken, merchandise was strewn on the floor, and a large group of people were stealing items inside. The sheriff added that he plans to charge those involved in the act. Deputies have been stationed to watch over the property.
The deputy brought to light that the store has faced shoplifting incidents for years, and the suspect’s family has even been assaulted in the past. This is the first time that the situation became so volatile.
The gas station is now behind yellow crime scene tape, and crushed water bottles are everywhere in the parking lot. The property has been vandalized by graffiti that spells out the victim’s name or age.
Richland County Coroner, Rutherford, stood near the gas pumps and asked the gathering not to refrain from resorting to violence. “This family does not need any more trauma related to his death.”
What do you think of the entire case? Let’s hope that the truth emerges during the trial and that the perpetrator is punished accordingly.
