An 81-year-old man from Ohio has been arrested and charged with the murder of a 61-year-old Uber driver following a tragic misunderstanding fueled by a scam call, according to authorities.
The incident occurred when William Brock, the accused, called 911 on March 25 to report that he had shot an individual he believed was attempting to rob him. This statement was made to the Clark County Sheriff’s Office and was reported by The Columbus Dispatch, part of the USA TODAY Network.
Brock, who was taken into custody on April 10, had fatally shot Loletha Hall, the Uber driver. Hall had been directed via the Uber app to pick up a package from Brock’s residence in South Charleston, near Dayton. However, both Brock and Hall were reportedly victims of a scam caller, though it remains unclear if the same scammer contacted both.
An Uber spokesperson expressed deep sorrow over the incident, stating, “This is a horrific tragedy, and our hearts go out to Loletha’s family and friends. We are in ongoing contact with the police and are fully supporting their investigation.”
According to WKEF-TV, Brock had previously received a threatening and demanding scam call. The caller, posing as a court officer, falsely claimed that a family member of Brock’s was detained and a large bond was needed.
“The caller initially posed as a court official and later claimed to have a hostage, escalating to a ransom demand,” Lt. Kristopher Shultz of the Clark County Sheriff’s Office explained to NBC News.
Simultaneously, Hall received instructions through a scam call linked to her Uber app directing her to retrieve a package from Brock’s home. Upon her arrival and inquiry about the package, the situation escalated.
“Ms. Hall was unaware of the scam,” Shultz noted to NBC News.
Brock, suspecting Hall was involved, confronted her with a gun, seizing her cellphone and restraining her from leaving. A sheriff’s office video shows a tense exchange where Brock pointed the gun at Hall as she tried to retreat, pleading.
Shultz detailed to NBC News, “After an initial shot, as she attempted to escape, the confrontation continued, during which Mr. Brock sustained a head injury. He then shot Ms. Hall two more times. Following the third shot, he contacted the authorities to report the incident.”