An 81-year-old Ohio man is claiming self-defense after shooting 61-year-old Uber driver, Loletha Hall, outside of his home. The incident was caught on video.
According to multiple reports, the shooting occurred on Mar. 25, when Hall received a booking to go to William Brock's home to retrieve money that was there for her. Per TMZ, Brock confronted her with a firearm and asked who she was working for.
Although Hall attempted to leave the dangerous scene, Brock snatched a cell phone from her hand and followed her around the vehicle to prevent her from fleeing. Brock then shot Hall three times, after which he contacted authorities. Hall, who also sustained a head injury at the scene, did not have a weapon on her.
Brock claimed that he thought Hall was someone connected to scam calls that he'd recently been receiving about a family member who had been incarcerated and required a high amount of bond. The requests allegedly turned into ransom demands.
Meanwhile, the person who contacted Hall to book the ride was also a scammer, and their Uber account has since been banned.
"This is a horrific tragedy and our hearts continue to be with Loletha’s loved ones as they grieve," an Uber spokesperson stated. "We have been in contact with law enforcement and remain committed to supporting their investigation."
Brock was charged with murder on three counts, in addition to charges of felonious assault and kidnapping. If convicted of murder, he could be sentenced to 15 years to life in prison.
