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

A jury convicted Rodney Hinton Jr. of murder on Friday for striking and killing Hamilton County Deputy Larry Ray Henderson Jr. with his car. The fatal incident occurred the day after Hinton's teenage son, Ryan Hinton, was shot and killed by a Cincinnati police officer.

Hinton was also found guilty of reckless homicide and felonious assault in the crash, which happened in May 2025 while Henderson was directing traffic for a college graduation. Henderson, a long-serving member of the sheriff's office who had recently retired but continued working off-duty assignments, died at the scene.

During the trial, Hinton pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. His defense attorney argued that Hinton was experiencing a psychotic episode and attempting suicide when he drove into the intersection, citing his diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder and other mental illnesses. However, prosecutors contended that while Hinton was grieving, he intentionally targeted the deputy and understood the wrongfulness of his actions.

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

The events leading to the conviction unfolded hours after Hinton and his family viewed body camera footage of the police shooting of his 18-year-old son. According to Cincinnati's police chief, the officer involved stated that Ryan Hinton pointed a gun at him during a chase before being shot twice. A review by Hamilton County Prosecutor Connie Pillich concluded that the officer's use of force was legally justified. Pillich also stated that the younger Hinton possessed a fully loaded gun and aimed it at officers when confronted.

Deputy Henderson was remembered at his funeral as a dedicated public servant who frequently volunteered for challenging assignments.