81-year-old US man, confused after scam call, shoots dead Uber driver

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Authorities say both he and the driver were victims of scams.

An 81-year-old Ohio man has been charged with murder after he shot an Uber driver thinking she was trying to rob him. The victim, identified as Loletha Hall, was found with multiple gunshot wounds on March 25 near the home of 81-year-old William Brock in South Charleston.

According to BBCThe incident occurred after Ms Hall was sent to the elderly man’s home via the Uber app to pick up a package for delivery. When she arrived, Mr. Brock threatened her with a gun and asked who she was working for. He took away her cell phone and prevented her from getting into his vehicle and driving.

“When she tried to run away, he shot her once, and then they had more of an argument.” At some point, Mr. Brock was hit in the head and shot Ms. Hall a second time. There was more conversation and then he shot her a third time. “It was only after he was shot a third time that he contacted authorities to report the incident,” said Lt. Christopher Schultz of the Clark County Sheriff’s Office.

Mr. Brock then called 911 to report that he had shot someone at his home and claimed that Hall had tried to rob him. He was taken to hospital but later died from his wounds. He is survived by his 33-year-old son, Mario.

According to the Clark County Sheriff’s Office, it appears that both the elderly man and the driver have been victims of scam phone calls. Authorities said Mr. Brock received prank calls from someone pretending to be an officer, who eventually began making threats and demanding money. According to authorities, Ms Hall was also sent to Mr Brock’s home by a scammer and instructed to pick up a package. Authorities said she did not know about the call to Mr. Brock.

”Mister. Brock received a scam call from an individual claiming to be someone from our courts who informed him that a member of his family has been jailed and has a bond bond amounting to a significant amount. The calls changed from “I’m an officer in the court” to “We have this subject held hostage, this is a ransom demand,” Mr. Schultz said.

Mr. Brock is charged with murder, which carries a sentence of 15 years to life in prison. He was released from Clark County Jail after posting US$200,000 bail.

Uber said Wednesday that it is in contact with law enforcement and is committed to cooperating with the investigation.

An Uber spokesperson said, “This is a terrible tragedy and our thoughts are with Loletha’s loved ones who are grieving. We are in contact with law enforcement and are committed to cooperating with their investigation.” USA Today on Monday.