In the wake of a heart-wrenching incident involving an Uber driver and an older man (6abc Philadelphia, 2024), both tragically manipulated by a scam, it’s crucial to address how individuals can protect themselves from becoming victims of similar fraudulent schemes.1
If you look at the full Video, that was excessive force, and a lot of different approaches could have been taken to avoid killing Loletha Hall. That was cold-blooded murder, and he could have asked a few simple questions to change the outcome of the situation. She wasn’t a threat, nor with anyone else, to be a clear and present threat.
In Ohio, murder is defined under Section 2903.02 of the Ohio Revised Code as purposely causing the death of another or the unlawful termination of another’s pregnancy without justification. Additionally, a person murders if they cause the death of another as a proximate result of committing or attempting to commit a felony offense of violence that is of the first or second degree and not covered by other specific sections of the Code related to manslaughter.
Furthermore, Ohio’s felony murder rule stipulates that a person can be charged with murder if they commit or attempt to commit a felony such as kidnapping, rape, arson, robbery, or burglary, and someone dies as a result of their actions during the commission of these crimes.
The charges and definitions are detailed in the Ohio Revised Code, ensuring that intentional acts of murder or deaths resulting from the commission of certain felonies are met with severe legal consequences. For more detailed information on the statutes, refer to the Ohio Revised Code Section 2903.02 and First-Degree Murder Laws in Ohio.2
Justified Self Defense Or Murder?
Based on the details provided and the definition of murder under Ohio law, the killing of Loletha Hall would not be justified. According to Ohio Revised Code Section 2903.02, murder is defined as purposely causing the death of another person without legal justification. The fact that Hall was reportedly unarmed and did not pose a threat at the time of the shooting suggests that her killing was intentional and without legal justification.
Moreover, the circumstances described do not fit any exceptions or defenses typically recognized under Ohio law, such as self-defense, as no immediate threat seems to have been posed by Hall. Therefore, under Ohio law, the action taken by William Brock would likely be considered murder, as it involved purposely causing the death of another person without legal grounds for such an action.
For more details on Ohio’s laws and legal standards surrounding justifiable homicide, the Ohio Revised Code provides comprehensive legal definitions and contexts.
#JusticeForLolethaHall
As a person who has dealt with scammers, here are some measures to help protect yourself and your family members from scammers.:
1. Verify the Source Before Acting
Always verify the legitimacy of any request that involves personal information or financial transactions. If you receive a call or message claiming to be from a service provider or a relative in distress, hang up and contact the entity directly using a known number or official website.
2. Be Skeptical of Urgent Financial Requests
Scammers often create a sense of urgency to push their targets into making hasty decisions. Be wary of any call, email, or message that urgently requests money, especially for bail or ransom, as these are common tactics used in scams.
3. Utilize Caller ID and Spam Filters
Activate your phone’s caller ID and spam filters (Robokiller) to help identify potential scam calls and messages. Many phone service providers offer services that flag suspicious numbers.
4. Limit Personal Information Online
Reduce the personal information you share online, including on social media platforms. Scammers often gather personal details from the internet to create highly targeted and believable scams.
5. Educate Yourself on Common Scam Tactics
Please familiarize yourself with common scams and their signs, such as phishing emails, fake job offers, and social security fraud. Government and consumer protection websites regularly update information on new scam trends.
6. Secure Your Financial Information
Never share your banking details, PINs, or passwords over the phone or online with anyone whose identity you cannot verify. Additionally, regularly review your bank statements and credit reports for unauthorized transactions.
7. Use Reliable Payment Methods
When possible, use secure, traceable payment methods for transactions. Avoid using wire transfers, gift cards, or other untraceable payment methods often favored by scammers.
8. Be Cautious with Unknown Visitors
If someone comes to your door claiming to be from a utility company or a delivery service and you weren’t expecting them, verify their identity before allowing them access. Call the company they claim to represent or check their credentials.
9. Report Suspected Scams
If you encounter or fall victim to a scam, report it to the appropriate authorities. This can help prevent further scams and assist in tracking down the scammer.
10. Stay Updated on Scam Alerts
Subscribe to alerts from reliable sources like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or local law enforcement agencies that offer regular updates on recent scam activities.
By taking these steps, you can enhance your defense against the increasingly sophisticated methods scammers use. Remember, awareness and caution are your best tools in preventing scams.
Reference
- 6abc Philadelphia. (2024, April 16). 81-year-old man charged with murder of Uber driver; both victims of “kidnapping scam,” police say [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXViMCapu-E ↩︎
- Section 2903.02 – Ohio Revised Code | Ohio Laws. (n.d.). https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-2903.02 ↩︎
Leave a Reply