Opening arguments began Tuesday for a man accused in the shooting death of an off-duty Chicago police officer.
Jovan Battle, 32, is one of three people accused in the March 25 fatal shooting of Officer John Rivera.
Battle, who rejected a court-appointed attorney and is defending himself, told jurors Tuesday he's "not a killer."
Battle said the other two suspects charged in the case were looking for any Hispanic to kill and notes that he is Jamaican and Puerto Rican.
Prosecutors allege Battle pointed out Rivera as one of several men who fought with Menelik Jackson and Jaquan Washington, who are also charged with murder. Prosecutors say Rivera, who was out with friends, had nothing to do with the fight.
Battle claimed he didn't know Jackson.
“I’m a nice person. I’m not a killer. I’m an asset to society," he said.
