Jury Finds Uber Driver Michael Hancock Not Guilty Of Murder

DENVER, CO — An Uber driver who was charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of his passenger last year was found not guilty Thursday. A 12-member jury made the decision after more than 11 hours of deliberation.

Michael Hancock, 31, picked up Hyun Kim from a bar in the early-morning hours of June 1, 2018. Hancock said he shot Kim in self defense after Kim attacked him while he was driving. Kim was shot six times on Interstate 25 near University Boulevard.

Hancock said Kim made sexual advances toward him and when the driver made it clear he wasn't interested, Kim tried to grab the steering wheel. Hancock said Kim began punching him when he tried to drop the 45-year-old off.

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Prosecutors said Hancock fired the shots from outside the car at Kim, who was inside the vehicle. Evidence showed the shooting was planned, prosecutors said.

Hancock, who is married with two children, will be released from jail.