Meg Gonyo

Todd Rutherford announces that Cyrus’s family will still be pursuing a civil lawsuit “There is no answer but to sue him right now”

Rick Chow, the gas station owner accused of killing 14-year-old Cyrus Carmack-Belton, was found not guilty by a jury after eight hours of deliberations. Chow testified that he believed the teen was stealing from his store and was carrying a gun. He claimed he shot Cyrus in self-defense because he feared the teen was about to shoot his son. Members of Cyrus' family were seen crying and sobbing in the courtroom as the not guilty verdict was read.

Rick Chow leaving the courthouse after his verdict of not guilty People gathered outside of the courthouse to share their frustration and anger over the decision

Andy Chow’s defense shares their thoughts on the verdict “I just don’t know what any parent would do otherwise, no one wants to take anyone’s life but you’ll protect your children.”

After nearly 8 hours the jury has found Rick Chow to be not guilty

The jury is deliberating, they started around 12 They previously sent a note around 5:30 saying they wanted to go home for the night, due to media attention the Judge made it clear he did not want that to happen. “Once the deliberative process begins I ask the jury to stay”

Happening now in the murder trial of Rick Chow— the jury is on break deliberating after the prosecution and defense delivered their closing arguments

A family is holding justice for Cyrus signs as the jury continues to deliberate

The jury is requesting the judge makes another copy of instructions and have been asking for a “long time” 3 copies are being made to still encourage deliberation

The murder trial of former Columbia convenience store owner Rick Chow moves into day two in Richland County, as prosecutors and defense attorneys continue to bring witnesses in to testify. bit.ly/4dCjNSm

Happening now🚨 Opening statements are about to begin for the murder trial of Rick Chow #RickChow #CyrusCarmackBelton

Jury selection is starting today for the murder trial of former Columbia gas station owner, Rick Chow. Chow is charged with the May 2023 killing of a teenager after falsely accusing the teen of stealing.

Redistricting rally at the State House bringing together people from throughout the state. They are demanding that Governor McMaster stays true to his word back on May 4th and not call a special sessions for redistricting

Happening now: RCSD is investigating a shooting that happened on school grounds at Horrell Hill Elementary This is believed to be an isolated incident, deputies say an SRO’s car was struck multiple times by gunfire, no deputies, student, or staff injured

The parents of Logan Federico joined Senator Lindsey Graham and Congressman Russell Fry in Myrtle Beach to unveil a law to prevent future tragedies similar to Logan's from occurring.

Protestors are starting their May Day efforts at the State House Friday They plan to walk to the proposed 1441 Main Street Ice office shortly They are asking for “money for the people’s needs not the war with Iran.”

“Small businesses are not just a part of our economy, it is the heart of our state.” SCMC’s small business day is taking place now, owners from across the state are highlighting their impact on the state to legislators SCMC is set to announce the small business of the year

Happening now on Assembly and Richland: 2 Comet buses collided, it is unclear at this time if there are any injuries. More details to come when available.

At least 11 people at Park Avenue apartments on Longcreek Drive are displaced after a fire on Sunday Officials say the fire began outside before spreading to the attic One firefighter is recovering from injuries, authorities are still investigating the cause

Happening today🚨 From 5-7p Prisma Health and BeSmart will be set up at RCSD headquarters parking lot to give away gun safes and cables This is all a part of a larger push to keep Richland County safe following 8 children being shot in the past 2 years