Deuteronomy 21:6-8

Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition

⁶ And all the elders of that city nearest to the slain man shall wash their hands over the heifer whose neck was broken in the valley; ⁷ and they shall testify, ‘Our hands did not shed this blood, neither did our eyes see it shed. ⁸ Forgive, O Lord, thy people Israel, whom thou hast redeemed, and set not the guilt of innocent blood in the midst of thy people Israel; but let the guilt of blood be forgiven them.’