DENVER — A GoFundMe page created for an Uber driver under investigation for murder had surpassed $11,000 as of early Tuesday afternoon but was suspended by the company later in the day.
The account was created Friday, after Denver police said Michael A. Hancock, 29, shot and killed his passenger just before 3 a.m. on Interstate 25 near University Boulevard. The passenger, Hyun Kim, 45, was pronounced dead at Denver Health Medical Center.
Hancock was arrested for investigation on first-degree murder charges Friday and is being held at the Downtown Detention Center without bond.
Funds raised from the GoFundMe account will help provide an attorney for Hancock, according to the creator and Hancock’s sister, Kilisha Venable-Beasley of Aurora. As of 12:45 p.m. Tuesday, 200 people had donated for a total exceeding $11,300. The fundraiser was asking for $50,000.
The page reads, “Mike would not hurt anyone unless he truly felt his life was in danger, but without adequate representation, he could be removed from his family and placed in jail.” Hancock is described on the GoFundMe page as a faithful husband, father of two boys and minister who works with at-risk youth.
But by 2:30 p.m., the account had been suspended. A family member of Hancock's told Denver7 the page was not in compliance with GoFundMe's terms of service regarding raising money to pay for bonds or attorneys.
Police are continuing to investigate the incident and the events leading up to it.
