Murder Charge in Black Teen's Killing: Store Owner Fights Warrant for Business Records

By Lucia Paula , Parent Herald Jul 27, 03:13 am

Photo: (Photo : Christoph Peich on Unsplash)

In South Carolina, a store owner is facing a murder charge after fatally shooting a Black 14-year-old, whom he had falsely accused of stealing water. The tragic incident occurred on May 28, sending shockwaves of grief through the African American community in Richland County, where nearly half the population is Black.

The store owner, Rick Chow, and his son had pursued the teenager, Cyrus Carmack-Belton, in a chase that extended about 500 feet past their family's Xpress Mart Shell station in Columbia. Now, as investigators seek to uncover the truth behind the killing, a search warrant for Chow's business records has become a point of contention.

Prosecutors believe that the search could yield crucial information about the store's operations, particularly how Chow handled shoplifters and whether Carmack-Belton was treated differently. They seek to examine computers and other electronic devices to find the store's employee manual and other documents that may reveal patterns of behavior.

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Chow's defense attorney, Jack Swerling, however, argues that investigators have already received what they wanted from the family without a warrant. He contends that they are now trying to access items they are not legally entitled to, such as checks, bank accounts, and other business-related information.

At a recent emergency hearing, Judge Robert Hood temporarily halted state agents from executing the search warrant and stated that he would deliver a ruling early next month. The decision will likely have significant implications for the murder case and the pursuit of justice for Cyrus Carmack-Belton.

The tragic incident unfolded when Chow falsely accused the teenager of stealing four bottles of water. Surveillance video, however, showed that Carmack-Belton had only picked up and put down the bottles. Ignoring this fact, Chow and his son chased the teen after he left the store. Chow claimed that he fired a shot after his son informed him that Carmack-Belton possessed a gun, despite there being no evidence that the teen ever directed the firearm at them.

According to NBC News, the fatal shot struck Carmack-Belton in the back, prompting authorities to charge Chow with murder. Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott decried the use of lethal force against an unarmed individual, stating, "You don't shoot somebody in the back that is not a threat to you."

Prosecutor April Sampson contends that Chow and his son treated the teenager differently from the moment he entered the store, deviating from the policies laid out for employees. According to her, the crime began with this unequal treatment.

Chow's lawyer argues that investigators already possess the store's only employee manual, which is only a three-page document and does not specify policies for dealing with shoplifters. He also notes that, as owners, the Chows have the authority to set store policy but are not necessarily obligated to follow it.

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Despite the arguments presented, Judge Hood expressed skepticism about the validity of the search warrant's grounds and whether it could lead to conclusive proof of a crime. He remarked that challenging the credibility of witnesses is not a sufficient reason to issue a search warrant.

The incident sparked protests outside Chow's store, with demands for justice and accusations of mistreatment of Black customers. Police records revealed that Chow had previously fired at shoplifters on two occasions in the past eight years, but no charges were filed as authorities considered his actions to be acts of self-defense.

After the protests, Chow's store fell victim to vandalism and burglary, with cigarettes and beer being stolen. The case has since become a focal point of scrutiny, shedding light on issues of racial bias and the use of deadly force.

As the legal battle unfolds, the search for truth and justice continues for the community mourning the loss of Cyrus Carmack-Belton. The outcome of the search warrant's validity may have significant consequences for the case and may determine the path towards accountability and closure.