Ohio Man Convicted of Murder for Killing Deputy After Son's Police Shooting

Rodney Hinton Jr. was found guilty of murder for striking Hamilton County Deputy Larry Henderson Jr. with his car in May 2025. Sentencing is set for Nov. 16.

Cincinnati Man Convicted of Murder in Deputy's Death, Day After Son Was Fatally Shot by Police

Rodney Hinton Jr. has been convicted of murder for deliberately driving his car into a Hamilton County deputy who was directing traffic at a college graduation, ABC News US reports. The verdict was returned Friday.

Deputy Larry Ray Henderson Jr. was killed in the May 2025 crash, which occurred just hours after Hinton and his family were shown police body camera footage of an officer fatally shooting Hinton's 18-year-old son, Ryan Hinton, the previous day.

The jury also found Hinton guilty of reckless homicide and felonious assault. Henderson had spent decades with the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office and had retired a few months before the crash, though he continued working off-duty assignments.

Hinton had entered a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity. His attorney, Clyde Bennett II, argued in closing statements that Hinton was in a psychotic episode and attempting to take his own life when he drove into the intersection. Hinton had also been diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder and additional mental illnesses.

Prosecutors pushed back on that argument. They acknowledged Hinton was grieving but contended he deliberately aimed his vehicle at the deputy and that his mental illness did not prevent him from distinguishing right from wrong.

Hamilton County Sheriff Charmaine McGuffey said the verdict brought some measure of closure and served as a step toward justice for Henderson.

Ryan Hinton had been shot twice during a police chase. The officer involved told investigators that Ryan pointed a gun at him, a claim Cincinnati's police chief confirmed. Hamilton County Prosecutor Connie Pillich said a review of the shooting concluded the officer was "legally justified in his use of force" and did not face charges. Pillich added that Ryan Hinton had been carrying a fully loaded firearm and pointed it at officers.

Hinton now faces 15 years to life in prison with the possibility of parole on the murder conviction. Sentencing is scheduled for November 16.

At Henderson's funeral, colleagues described him as a selfless public servant who regularly volunteered for the most hazardous assignments. Defense attorney Bennett said he intends to appeal the conviction.

Source: ABC News US