SOUTH CHARLESTON, Ohio (WCMH) — Authorities in Ohio have arrested a man in his 80s, accusing him of murdering an Uber driver while both were being targeted by a “scam call.”
William Brock, 81, faces a felony charge of murder with additional counts possible, according to the Clark County Sheriff’s Office. Investigators accused him of shooting Lo-Letha Hall multiple times on March 25 after she went to his house on an Uber assignment.
Investigators first came to Brock’s property, about 4 miles west of South Charleston, Ohio, when he called them and said he shot someone who was attempting a robbery. The sheriff’s office said when deputies and multiple other agencies arrived, they found Hall on the ground with multiple gunshot wounds, and Brock with injuries to his head and an ear.
Prior to the incident, a male scammer had reportedly called Brock and told him one of his relatives was in jail. The scammer then threatened the 81-year-old man and demanded money. Simultaneously, that same scammer or an accomplice allegedly placed an order on the Uber app for Hall to pick up a package for delivery from Brock’s property. She wasn’t aware of the calls Brock had received when she arrived at his home, according to investigators.
The Uber driver was unarmed, did not make any threats or demands, and did not attack Brock, authorities said. Hall only approached Brock’s home and asked about the package she was sent to pick up through the app, the sheriff’s office said. In response, Brock allegedly pulled out a revolver and held her at gunpoint, demanding to know the identities of the scammers. He also took Hall’s phone to prevent her from making calls, and the sheriff’s office said Brock did not call 911 either.
When Hall tried to get in her car to get away, authorities said Brock shot her. During a struggle between the two at the car door, he allegedly shot her two more times, investigators noted. After this exchange, Brock called 911.
Deputies arrested Brock on a murder charge because they said Hall did not present any active threat during the encounter, nor did Brock try to summon help during their interaction.
The Clark County Sheriff’s Office released a video recorded by a dashcam in Hall’s car, which captured her approaching Brock’s home, then trying to leave as he followed her and pointed the gun at her.
Hall was 61 years old. In an obituary, she was listed as a Columbus native.
The Clark County Sheriff’s Office said it is now investigating the scam calls and Uber app order that led to the shooting, and looking for the suspect or accomplices that coordinated the incident.
Records from Clark County Municipal Court showed Brock pleaded not guilty to the murder charge in a Wednesday arraignment hearing. If convicted, he faces up to a $15,000 fine and between 15 years to life in prison.
After the arraignment hearing, Brock posted a bond set at $200,000. Records showed his next court date would be a preliminary hearing on April 22.