Deuteronomy 21:6-9

6After the leaders of the town have broken the cow's neck, they must wash their hands over it.

7Then they will say, ‘We did not kill this person. We did not see who killed him.

8Please Lord, accept this animal from your people, Israel, that you have rescued. Do not say that we are guilty of this murder. This person did not deserve to die like this.’ When they do that, the Lord will accept their gift and he will forgive you.

9In this way, you will not be guilty of the murder. You will remove this evil act from among you. You must do what the Lord says is right.