Ohio man charged with murder in shooting death of black rideshare driver | 2020 Ohio
Ann Ohio A man has been charged with murder for fatally shooting a black rideshare driver in an unprovoked attack, following a recent spate of fatal shootings of black Americans.
William Bullock, 81, a white man, was arrested after fatally shooting Loretha Hall, 61, outside her home in South Charleston, Ohio, about an hour outside Dayton. NBC News reported.
Bullock told police he shot Hall because he believed Hall was working with scammers who had called at Bullock's home that morning.
On March 25, Bullock received a fraudulent phone call from a man pretending to be an employee of a local courthouse.
Lt. Christopher Schultz of the Clark County Sheriff's Office said, “Mr. Bullock received a fraudulent phone call from someone claiming to be a court official who informed him that a family member was incarcerated and had a large bail amount.'' said. press release.
Hall, who was working for Uber at the time of the shooting, drove to Block's home to pick up a package. The scammer who called Block was requesting an Uber driver through a ride-hailing app.
When Hall arrives, Bullock accuses her of having an affair with a con artist.
Bullock pointed a gun at Hall and demanded that he tell him which con artist he was working with. Bullock also allegedly took Hall's cell phone and physically prevented her from leaving the house. The Springfield News Sun reported..
Police say Hall had no idea what Bullock was saying throughout the harrowing ordeal.
“[Hall] Schultz said in the release that he did not threaten or assault Bullock in any way, and did not make any demands on him other than asking him about a package he had sent him to pick up through the Uber app.
Dashcam footage from Hall's car revealed further details of the tragic incident.
In the video, Hall is seen approaching Bullock's home. Seconds later, Bullock points a gun at Hall, and Hall retreats from Bullock's residence.
The two disappear from the camera's view. Then you hear what sounds like several gunshots. Hall can be heard screaming for help.
At one point, Bullock said, “I'm going to shoot you in the other foot.”
Police said Bullock shot Hall three times before calling police. Hall later died at an area hospital during surgery.
Bullock told police that he shot Hall as he was walking to his car because he feared he had access to a gun.
He was then arrested and charged with murder, felonious assault, and kidnapping after police determined that Mr. Hall posed no threat and Mr. Bullock did not seek assistance from police when picking him up.
Bullock was released on $200,000 bail Wednesday and could face additional charges as police investigate the incident.
Uber confirmed in a statement that it has spoken with Hall's family and is in contact with law enforcement.
“This is a terrible tragedy and our hearts remain with Loresa's grieving loved ones. We are in contact with law enforcement and remain committed to assisting with the investigation.” ,” an Uber spokesperson said in a statement.
The rideshare company added that the account that ordered the Uber to Bullock's home has been banned.
Last month's mass shooting was another example of black Americans being shot and killed without reason.
It will be about a year later photograph The case of Ralph Yahr, a 16-year-old black teenager who was shot and killed by an older white man in Missouri after ringing the wrong doorbell.
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/apr/15/ohio-man-charged-fatal-shooting-uber-driver Ohio man charged with murder in shooting death of black rideshare driver | 2020 Ohio