'This is so sad': Internet aghast as William Brock, 81, fatally shoots female Uber driver after falling for scam caller in Ohio

Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.

SOUTH CHARLESTON, OHIO: An 81-year-old man was reportedly arrested after he fatally shot a 61-year-old woman Uber driver thrice in front of his home on March 25, 2024. 

According to a police report, both were targeted in a scam call, leading to the tragic death of the unsuspecting Loletha Hall, Law&Crime reported.

After the incident, Clark County charged William Brock with first-degree felony murder on April 10 when he surrendered to authorities following an investigation into the incident that occurred just over a week earlier.

Police also mentioned that Brock could face additional charges.

What happened to Loletha Hall?

The tragic death of Loletha Hall happened at about 11:18 am on March 25 when Hall, who had been driving for Uber for nearly 10 years, went to William Brock’s home in South Charleston. 

She wasn't armed and didn't threaten or assault anyone, the police said. 

Video footage from a camera inside Hall’s car shows her going to Brock’s home, getting out of her car, and talking with Brock before trying to leave. 

But Brock followed her closely, pointing his gun at her and taking her phone so she couldn't call for help. 

The police and prosecutors said Hall went to Brock’s house because Uber told her to pick up a package there, but it turned out to be a fake assignment. 

The police later found out that someone had called Brock that morning pretending to ask for money because a relative was in jail. 

Hall, not knowing about this, went to Brock's house to get the package. She didn't make any demands of Brock, according to the police, and only asked about the package. 

Brock started asking her questions about who she was, and then he took her phone and wouldn't let her leave. 

During their argument, Brock didn't try to get help or call 911, the sheriff’s office said. 

The report read, “Ms Hall attempted to re-enter her vehicle to leave the property and escape, during which time she was shot by Mr Brock, and Mr Brock was injured in the subsequent scuffle at the door of Ms Hall’s vehicle. Further exchange took place between them, after which Mr Brock shot Ms Hall again, and after further exchange, shot her again a third, separate, time.”

What did William Brock report during the 911 call?

According to a police summary of a 911 call, Brock reported to the police that a "Black woman" had approached his house and that he had been getting "threatening phone calls" all morning. 

He said that while he was still holding the gun, the person on the phone was threatening to kill him when Hall knocked on his door. 

Brock told the dispatcher that he didn't believe the person on the phone was actually going to harm his family or that the caller had a "drone" on him. 

However, when asked if he shot Hall that day, Brock confirmed. He stated that he shot her in the leg first and then in the shoulder. 

Police later found out she had been shot three times in total. Investigators also noted that Brock sustained injuries to his ear and head. 

The Clark County Sheriff’s office is currently looking into scam calls affecting Ohio residents and warned that no official or law enforcement agency will ever ask for bail or funds in this manner. They advise senior residents of Ohio to be particularly cautious. 

An attorney representing Brock did not respond immediately for comment on Monday. Court records online indicate that Brock could face up to 15 years in prison.

He was briefly detained last week but has since been released on bail set at $200,000. His next court appearance is scheduled for April 22.

Internet saddened by horrific death of Loletha Hall

Upon learning about Loletha Hall's death as she arrived to collect a package from an elderly man, many social media users expressed their views on the senseless crime, as per the New York Post.

One social media user claimed, "That person is the real criminal. It reminds me of the guy delivering pizza's who's "friends" attached a bomb to his neck. Both in Ohio too."

Another wrote, "That is not self-defense she wasn't doing anything aggressive and tried to get back into her car once she realized what was going on."

One person said, "No, the old man who didn’t call the police first and shot for no reason is also responsible."

Another added, "That is so sad. RIP to her."

One person wrote, "Horrific. i hope there's a gofundme for this sweet innocent lady's family. Poor woman was just trying to make a living. i can't imagine her fear."

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