SPRINGFIELD, Ohio (RTWNews) — An 83-year-old man from Ohio has been convicted of murder following a tragic incident in which he fatally shot an Uber driver, mistakenly believing she was involved in a robbery plot due to deceptive scam phone calls.
William J. Brock shot the driver, 61-year-old Lo-Letha Toland-Hall, six times in March 2024 after she arrived at his home, leading to a conviction of murder, felonious assault, and kidnapping. The incident unfolded after both individuals fell victim to the same scam that involved false claims of needing $12,000 in bond money for a relative.
The attack came when Toland-Hall, who unknowingly became enmeshed in Brock's alleged delusions, was shot while approaching his home. Investigators noted that Brock's claims of feeling threatened were contradicted by evidence that Toland-Hall was unarmed.
Prosecutors asserted that the real threat was posed by the scammers who had previously contacted Brock, leaving both families devastated by the fallout from the fraudulent schemes. Brock's attorney has claimed self-defense, pointing to perceived threats against him and his family, while authorities continue to emphasize the need to bring the actual perpetrators of the scam to justice.
Scott County Prosecutor Daniel Driscoll remarked on the tragic outcome, stating, 'Both families lost loved ones because of the scam,' highlighting the pervasive danger of such fraudulent acts in the community. Brock is set to face sentencing next week.
