SPRINGFIELD, Ohio – An 83-year-old man has been sentenced to prison after a jury found him guilty of murder for the fatal shooting of an Uber driver he falsely believed was attempting to rob him. William J. Brock shot 61-year-old Lo-Letha Toland-Hall six times at his home in South Charleston, Ohio, earlier this year. The incident occurred after both were duped by a phone scam that induced them to believe they were in financial danger.
Brock, who is expected to be sentenced next week, was also convicted of felonious assault and kidnapping. Defense attorneys argued that Brock acted in self-defense, feeling threatened upon Toland-Hall's arrival to his home. However, prosecutors asserted that she was unarmed and did not pose a threat when she was shot.
The tragic event highlights the severe impact of scams targeting the elderly. Prosecutor Daniel Driscoll emphasized that while both families have suffered irreparable losses, the perpetrators of the scam remain at large. He expressed concern over the continuing threat from scammers, stating, 'The real sad part about this is that we know there are still criminals out there.'
Brock, who is expected to be sentenced next week, was also convicted of felonious assault and kidnapping. Defense attorneys argued that Brock acted in self-defense, feeling threatened upon Toland-Hall's arrival to his home. However, prosecutors asserted that she was unarmed and did not pose a threat when she was shot.
The tragic event highlights the severe impact of scams targeting the elderly. Prosecutor Daniel Driscoll emphasized that while both families have suffered irreparable losses, the perpetrators of the scam remain at large. He expressed concern over the continuing threat from scammers, stating, 'The real sad part about this is that we know there are still criminals out there.'
