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Witnesses: Jamie Hood meant to shoot officer

ATHENS, Ga. — Two witnesses testified that Jamie Hood, accused of killing an Athens police officer, confessed to shooting two officers but only showed remorse for one of them.

Hood was in court Tuesday for a hearing to decide if statements he made while in custody can be used during his trial. His attorney believes the statements,made shortly following his arrest were made after Hood requested an attorney and should be deemed inadmissible.

Minutes after Hood surrendered live on Channel 2 Action News, two Athens-Clarke County police officers transported him to headquarters for questioning.

They testified that Hood showed remorse for killing Officer Elmer "Buddy" Christian but said he meant to shoot Officer Tony Howard, who was wounded but survived.

Former officer Geoffrey Grimes said Hood apologized for shooting Christian.

"I didn't mean to shoot that white officer," Grimes attributed to Hood. "He didn't do me wrong. But Tony Howard? Me and him always had bad blood. He never treated me right. I meant to shoot Tony."

In the interrogation video, Hood told two GBI officers that Howard beat and mistreated him. He also said he held a grudge against police officers because they shot and killed his brother years ago. Again, he told the agents he felt bad for killing Christian, but showed no remorse for shooting Howard.

Earlier in the day, Hood once again complained about his own court-appointed attorneys, claiming they weren't allowing him to participate in his own defense.

"It is my right to have my counsel consult with me," said Hood. "I'm so beat down with these attorneys that I'm willing to represent myself."

No trial date has been set.