An Ohio man has been convicted of murder, reckless homicide, and felonious assault in a case that has rocked the local community. Rodney Hinton Jr. was found guilty on October 23 for the fatal incident involving special deputy Larry Henderson Jr., which occurred on May 2, 2025. The tragic event unfolded just hours after Hinton was shown body camera footage of his son’s fatal encounter with police.
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The jury reached its verdict after a detailed trial that showcased the events leading up to the incident. Hinton was accused of intentionally driving his vehicle into Deputy Henderson, who was directing traffic during a graduation ceremony at the University of Cincinnati. At the time of the collision, Henderson was 57 years old and was subsequently pronounced dead after being transported to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center.
Prosecutors contended that Hinton’s actions were driven by a moment of extreme emotional distress. Earlier that day, he had witnessed the shooting of his 18-year-old son, Ryan Hinton, by a Cincinnati police officer. Reports indicated that Ryan had been running from police when the officer, who claimed that the teenager pointed a gun at him, discharged his weapon. The Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office determined the shooting was justified, adding another layer of complexity to Hinton’s state of mind at the time of the tragedy.
During the prosecution’s case, Assistant Prosecutor Heidi Rosales argued that Hinton had targeted Henderson specifically due to his role in law enforcement. She highlighted that there was no evidence Hinton attempted to slow down or evade the deputy. “What you won’t see is any attempt by the defendant to stop or slow down to avoid hitting Deputy Henderson,” Rosales stated in court, as reported by WLWT.
In contrast, Hinton’s legal counsel, Clyde Bennett II, presented a defence of not guilty by reason of insanity. Bennett asserted that Hinton was not in a sound state of mind on the day of the incident, suggesting that he was experiencing a psychological breakdown and did not fully comprehend his actions. “The evidence will show that a psychotic, mentally ill mind that has already experienced extreme emotional distress was confronted with his son being shot and killed,” he argued.
As the community reels from the verdict, Hamilton County Prosecutor Connie Pillich expressed hope that the jury’s decision would provide some solace to Henderson’s family and loved ones. In a statement issued shortly after the trial, she acknowledged the profound loss experienced by those close to Henderson. “No verdict can undo the loss experienced by his family, friends, and fellow deputies, but we hope this decision brings them some measure of comfort,” Pillich said. She also reaffirmed her commitment to ensuring that justice is served as the case progresses toward sentencing.
Larry Henderson Jr. had an illustrious career in law enforcement spanning over three decades. He had retired from his regular duties in December 2024 but continued to serve in a part-time capacity with the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office. His obituary described Henderson as a beloved figure known for his infectious laughter and passion for life, marking him as someone deeply cherished by those around him.
Sentencing for Rodney Hinton Jr. is set for November 16, and under Ohio law, he faces a potential prison term of 15 years to life for the murder conviction, complicating the grief and anguish already felt among multiple families affected by this tragic series of events. As the community reflects on the loss of both a promising young life and an esteemed officer, the consequences of this incident underscore the profound impact of violence and grief in today’s society.