Ohio man allegedly shoots, kills Uber driver after both received scam calls
An 81-year-old Ohio man has been charged with murder after allegedly shooting an Uber driver who believed she was picking up a package from his house. Both individuals were victims of scam phone calls, as revealed by the Clark County Sheriff's Office in a news release.
The Uber driver, Loletha Hall, was discovered shot multiple times near William Brock's South Charleston home on March 25. Brock, who had dialed 911, was found injured in the head and ear and was bleeding upon police arrival, according to a police report.
Hall, a Black woman, was rushed to a Dayton hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries.
Investigations revealed that Brock had received a fraudulent call earlier concerning an incarcerated relative, involving threats and demands for money.
An unknown individual informed Brock over the phone that he needed to pay $12,000 to release his nephew from jail, as stated in a police report. Brock informed police that the caller threatened him and his nephew's life if he didn't comply with the ransom, the report added.
Later, the same caller, or an associate, hired Hall through the Uber app to collect a package from Brock's home, investigators found. Hall was unaware of the threats made against Brock, as confirmed by the sheriff's office.
"Ms. Hall, who suffered from medical conditions and was unarmed, did not pose any threats or violence toward Mr. Brock and did not make any demands, except for inquiries about the package she was sent to retrieve," the sheriff's office stated.
Allegedly, Brock held Hall at gunpoint, demanding information about the people who had contacted him. He also confiscated Hall's phone and prevented her from leaving, officials reported. At this point, Brock did not attempt to contact the police.
When Hall attempted to re-enter her vehicle, Brock reportedly shot her, leading to a "consequent struggle at the door of Ms. Hall's vehicle," as outlined by the sheriff's office. Subsequently, Brock allegedly fired two more shots at her before calling 911.
Brock faces a murder charge, which carries a penalty of 15 years to life in prison, according to court records. Police are considering additional charges. Brock pleaded not guilty, and bail was set at $200,000, court records indicated.
Authorities are actively seeking the scam callers involved.
"The Clark County Sheriff's Office wants to remind residents, particularly our elderly citizens, that no Law Enforcement Agency or Court will solicit cash for bail in the manner described in this case," the office emphasized, urging residents "to exercise extreme caution when receiving unexpected contacts from individuals claiming to be incarcerated relatives."
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