Uber driver accused of fatally shooting a passenger (Denver, CO)

Denver, CO — Denver Uber driver charged with murder after shooting and killing his passenger last year will face trial this week, report says.

Michael Hancock, 31, pleaded not guilty for the first-degree murder case, claiming that he acted in self-defense.

According to court records, 45-year-old Hyun Kim was allegedly beating Mr. Hancock on the head. This subsequently arose into violent conflict, prompting Mr. Hancock to reach for his gun.

Prosecutors revealed that the suspect fired 10 rounds and six of the bullets struck Kim in the back. Mr. Hancock then flagged down a witness after the shooting and asked the bystander to call 911. In addition, the driver also spoke to dispatchers.

Police recovered a semiautomatic pistol at the scene. Autopsy reports showed that Mr. Kim’s blood alcohol was nearly four times the legal limit of alcohol intoxication for driving. Furthermore, Kim died of multiple gunshot wounds.

Moreover, the defense panel pointed out Hancock had swelling above his left eye, an abrasion on his inner lower lip and redness near his collarbone. Meanwhile, the victim also had bruises on his right hand near his knuckles, according to court testimony.

Mr. Kim worked as a manufacture’s representative for a food company and was meeting with a client the night he died. He is leaving behind a wife and a 13-year-old son.

On the other hand, Mr. Hancock had been working two jobs to provide for his family while going to school. Uber confirmed that Hancock had been an Uber driver for nearly three years. Moreover, Mr. Hancock had no prior criminal record in Colorado.

The driver has been held without bond since his arrest in the case. Jury selection for his trial began Monday and is scheduled to last two weeks.