This week, a South Carolina gas station owner was indicted with shooting in connection with the alleged shooting death of a 14-year-old kid whom he claimed had stolen from his business. The teen’s death has encouraged demonstrations and sorrow in the neighborhood.
According to Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott, Cyrus Carmack-Belton wasn’t stealing anything from the Xpress Mart Shell in Columbia on Sunday night; rather, 58-year-old Rick Chow and his child followed him away from the business, off the land, and onto the road before Chow fired him in the back as he escaped.
“It makes no sense. It is not logical. In a press conference, Lott added, “We got a family that is suffering, as well as a community that is crying for a 14-year-old victim who was shot.”
Tuesday marked Chow’s first court session; a hearing for deciding his bail is expected to follow.