US man, 81, charged with murdering Uber driver after both targeted in scam

Police in Ohio have arrested a man for the murder of an Uber driver he mistakenly believed was part of a scam.

According to the Clark County Sheriff's Office, driver Loletha Hall, 61, was shot multiple times by William Brock, 81, outside his South Charleston home last month.

A scammer had contacted Mr Brock, demanded thousands of dollars and threatened to kill his nephew.

He has pleaded not guilty to a charge of murder.

Ms Hall, according to officials, was also sent to Mr Brock's house by a scammer and instructed to pick up a package.

Police released dashcam footage of the 25 March incident showing Mr Brock brandishing a pistol and pointing it at Ms Hall to prevent her from leaving.

During their investigation, officials discovered that an unknown man had called Mr Brock and told him he needed to pay $12,000 (£9,600) to get his nephew out of jail.

Police say the caller threatened to kill his nephew if he did not pay the ransom.

A scammer also hired Ms Hall through the Uber app and sent her to pick up a package from Mr Brock's home. She was unaware of the threats he had received, officials say.

"Ms Hall, suffering from medical conditions and unarmed, made no threats or assaults toward Mr Brock, and made no demands, other than to ask about the package she was sent to retrieve," the sheriff's office said in a statement.

Mr Brock then allegedly pointed a gun at Ms Hall and demanded she reveal the identity of the caller. She tried to leave, saying she would call police.

In the dashcam footage, Mr Brock is heard demanding that Ms Hall give him her phone.

He also refused to allow her to leave, police said.

When she returned to her car, there was a "scuffle at the door of Ms Hall's vehicle", police say, which ended in Mr Brock allegedly shooting her multiple times.

He then called 911, according to a police report, and was found bleeding with an injury to his head and ear when law enforcement arrived.

Ms Hall was then taken to hospital, where she died from her injuries.

The sheriff's office is still searching for the scam callers.

"The Clark County Sheriff's Office would like to take the opportunity to again remind residents, especially our older citizens, that no Law Enforcement Agency or Court will make contact with anyone in the manner of this case to solicit cash for bail," the office said.

The sheriff added that residents should "use extreme caution when being contacted unexpectedly by subjects claiming to be relatives incarcerated in a correctional facility".

Uber said in a statement that the account of the person who hired Ms Hall has been banned.

"This is a horrific tragedy, and our hearts continue to be with Loletha's loved ones as they grieve," the company said.

"We have been in contact with law enforcement and remain committed to supporting their investigation."