Colorado Uber driver pleads not guilty in death of passenger

DENVER – An Uber driver charged with murder in the shooting of a passenger on a Denver interstate has pleaded not guilty.

Michael Hancock entered his plea Friday. A jury trial is set for April 1.

Hancock’s family has said the 29-year-old was defending himself after the passenger attacked him during the ride on June 1.

Prosecutors charged Hancock with first-degree murder in the death of 45-year-old Hyun Kim. Prosecutors have said evidence shows Hancock fired from outside the car at Kim, who was inside.

Previous testimony indicated that Hancock flagged down a passing driver to call 911, repeatedly asked dispatchers to send an ambulance for Kim, and co-operated with police.

Hancock told police that Kim hit him in the face while the car was going 70 mph (113 kph) on the interstate.