81-Year-Old Ohio Man Charged with Murder in Shooting of Uber Driver

On March 25, 2023, William Brock, an 81-year-old man, shot and killed 61-year-old Uber driver Lo-Letha Hall in South Charleston, Ohio. The incident was orchestrated by a scammer who had been calling Brock, claiming that one of his relatives was in jail and demanding money. The scammer also placed an Uber order, sending Hall to Brock's home to pick up a package.

When Hall arrived, she was unarmed and unaware of the calls Brock had received. A dashcam in her car recorded Brock following her and pointing a revolver at her. When deputies arrived, they found Hall with multiple gunshot wounds and Brock with injuries to his head and ear.

The scammer later called Brock's phone, and deputies recorded the conversation, revealing the scammer's involvement. Brock was arrested and faces charges including murder, kidnapping, and felonious assault. He pleaded not guilty and was released on a $200,000 bond.

Why this matters: This tragic incident highlights the dangers of phone scams and their potential to escalate into real-world violence. It also underscores the vulnerability of gig workers, such as Uber drivers, who may unknowingly be sent into dangerous situations.

Uber has banned the account of the individual who ordered Hall's Uber to Brock's house, and the company has expressed its condolences to Hall's family and commitment to supporting the investigation. The sheriff's office is investigating the scam calls and Uber order that led to the shooting, but the scammer has not been identified as of the time of the report.

Key Takeaways

• 81-year-old William Brock shot and killed Uber driver Lo-Letha Hall in Ohio.
• Scammer called Brock, claiming relative in jail, and ordered Uber to Brock's home.
• Brock arrested, charged with murder, kidnapping, and felonious assault; pleaded not guilty.
• Incident highlights dangers of phone scams and vulnerability of gig workers.
• Uber banned scammer's account and expressed condolences to Hall's family.