COLUMBIA, S.C. — A court hearing wrapped up in the case involving Rick Chow, the Columbia gas station owner accused of killing 14-year-old Cyrus Carmack-Belton in 2023.

For several hours Tuesday, Nov. 4, witnesses took the stand in a hearing that could affect Chow’s upcoming trial.

Carmack-Belton was shot and killed outside a Shell gas station on Parklane Road in May 2023. Investigators say Chow accused the teen of stealing water bottles an accusation deputies later said was false. Chow is accused of chasing the teen down the street before shooting and killing him.

Chow’s attorneys are trying to use South Carolina’s “Stand Your Ground” law in his defense. The law allows someone to use deadly force if they believe it’s necessary to protect their life and removes the duty to retreat.

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