SPRINGFIELD, Ohio — An 83-year-old Clark County man has been convicted of murder in the fatal shooting of an Uber driver who unknowingly became entangled in a phone scam, authorities said.
A jury found William J. Brock, of South Charleston, guilty of murder, felonious assault, and kidnapping in the death of Lo-Letha Toland-Hall, 61, following a multi-day trial. Brock now faces a potential sentence of 15 years to life in prison, with sentencing scheduled for a later date.
The shooting occurred on March 25, 2024, when Toland-Hall arrived at Brock’s home to pick up a package as part of what she believed was a legitimate Uber delivery. Prosecutors said Brock had received a series of phone calls from scammers who falsely claimed a relative was in jail and demanded thousands of dollars in bond money.
According to testimony, the scammers also arranged for an Uber driver to come to Brock’s home, instructing him to give the driver the money. When Toland-Hall arrived in her vehicle, investigators said Brock believed she was part of the scam and confronted her while armed with a handgun.
Prosecutors told jurors that Toland-Hall was unarmed, unaware of the scam, and posed no threat. Evidence showed Brock fired multiple shots at the driver in his driveway. Toland-Hall was transported to a hospital, where she later died from her injuries.
Brock’s defense attorney argued that his client acted in self-defense, citing Brock’s age, fear, and confusion after receiving repeated threatening phone calls. The defense contended that Brock believed he was about to be robbed.
Prosecutors countered that Brock had other options and that the use of deadly force was unjustified. They emphasized that Toland-Hall was a victim of the same scam and had no criminal intent.
Jurors ultimately rejected the self-defense claim.
The case has drawn national attention and renewed warnings from law enforcement about sophisticated scam operations that manipulate victims into acting out of fear. Authorities urged the public to verify claims involving urgent demands for money and to contact law enforcement if they suspect a scam.
Family members of Toland-Hall described her as a hardworking and kind woman who was simply doing her job. Uber has previously stated that the company cooperated with investigators and expressed condolences to her family.
Video Credit:WHIO TV 7