Chikei Rick Chow, 61, was found not guilty in the case of shooting death of Cyrus Carmack-Belton, in Columbia, South Carolina, back in 2023.
The decision was taken on June 1. The former convenience store owner was acquitted after shooting the 14-year-old.
Prosecutors argued Chow was the initial aggressor and pursued Carmack-Belton over a false accusation, while the defense placed the case as a man's attempt to defend his son when a gun was pointed at them.
Surveillance footage had junked the accusation that led to the deadly chase, as per multiple reports. Authorities said in 2023 Chow shot Carmack-Belton in the back as he was running away.
The verdict sparked outrage in Richland County, where almost half the population is Black. Protesters were seen holding signs outside the gas station formerly owned by Chow, with one reading ‘Justice 4 Cyrus,’ as per The State.
