Lo-Letha Hall: 61-Year-Old Uber Driver Fatally Shot by Ohio Homeowner
Lo-Letha Hall, 61, succumbed to gunshot wounds after being shot three times by William Brock, an 81-year-old homeowner who thought she was linked to an attempted scam, Ohio police say.
Born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, Lo-Letha Hall, 61, had a green thumb, majoring in horticulture at Ohio State University.
She would work and retire from a local tax agency, but continue to expand her skills by starting her own janitorial service as well as working at the Bureau of Workers Compensation, the Kipp Academy of North Carolina, St. Vincents Behavioral Health Center, and driving for Uber.
As was the case with all her various entrepreneurial endeavors, Hall had signed up for Uber to take in some extra money. But she had no idea it would take her life.
According to her obituary, Hall, had two sisters, Melissa and Marquita, “in which they have a remarkably close relationship. They shared countless adventures, from childhood pranks to late-night heart-to-heart conversations. They learned many valuable lessons from her, and she was always there for them.”
she attended Ohio State University majoring in Horticulture, since she had an avid love for gardening.
On Monday March 25, 2024, Hall was summoned through the Uber app to pick up a package at a home in Clarke County, Ohio.
Just before Hall arrived to the home of 81-year-old William Brock, he had received a scam call from a man who falsely identified himself as an officer at the local courthouse.
“Mr Brock received some scam call by a person purporting to be someone from our courts who informed him a family member was incarcerated and that he had a bond of a significant amount of money,” said Lt Kristopher Shultz of the Clark county sheriff’s office in a press release.
The scammer who had called Brock had requested an Uber driver to arrive at Brock’s home in South Charleston, Ohio, about an hour outside Dayton.
When an unsuspecting Hall pulled up to the home and approached the door, she was confronted by Brock, who accused her of being part of the scam.
He wasn’t just making accusations; Brock pointed a gun at Hall and demanded that she tell him who the scammers were. According to police, Brock prevents Hall from getting back into her car and also manages to take her cellphone.
All the while, Hall is confused and trying to make sense of it all.
“[Hall] made no threats or assaults toward Mr Brock, and made no demands, other than to ask about the package she was sent to retrieve through the Uber App,” Shultz said in the release.
In video of the incident released by police, Hall walks up to the home and is seen backing away as Brock points a firearm at her.
When they both are out of view of the cameras, the gunshots ring out and Hall is heard screaming for help. While not much audio is heard, what can be deciphered is Brock saying: “I’ll shoot your other leg.”
“When she tried to get away, he shot her once, then there was more exchange between them," Shultz said. "Mr. Brock was at some point injured to his head, and he shot Ms. Hall a second time. There was more conversation, and then he shot her a third time. Only after he shot her a third time did he then make contact with authorities to report the incident."
After shooting her three times, Brock called the police, who rushed to the scene. Hall was taken to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
In a statement, Uber said the company is cooperating with a police investigation and has banned the account which ordered the Uber to Brock’s home. The company also said it has been in touch with Hall's family.
"This is a horrific tragedy and our hearts continue to be with Loletha’s loved ones as they grieve," an Uber spokesperson said. "We have been in contact with law enforcement and remain committed to supporting their investigation."
Brock was indicted on three counts of murder, one count of felonious assault and one count of kidnapping, If convicted of that charge, he could be sentenced to 15 years to life in prison or a $15,000 fine.
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