The parents of 14-year-old Cyrus Carmike-Belton visited a community memorial honoring their son near Parklane Road in Columbia, the spot where the teen collapsed and died after being shot in the back.
Three years later, support from the community continues to grow. The grassy area along the roadside is filled with balloons, teddy bears, birdhouses, wind chimes and dozens of bottles of water — the same item Cyrus was accused of attempting to steal from a Shell gas station about 130 yards away.
“This is the spot that Cyrus fell and died,” said Nicole Carmike as she and Cyrus’ father, Troy Belton, walked toward the memorial. The parents looked over and dusted off the growing collection of photographs, posters and mementos left behind by supporters…