CINCINNATI — A man accused of deliberately killing a Hamilton County Sheriff's deputy could face the death penalty, according to Hamilton County Prosecutor Connie Pillich. Rodney Hinton Jr., 38, was indicted on May 8, 2025, on multiple charges, including two counts of aggravated murder, one count of murder, and two counts of felonious assault. The aggravated murder charges carry the possibility of the death penalty, as they involve the fatality of a law enforcement officer.
The tragic incident occurred on May 2, 2025, when Hinton allegedly drove his vehicle into Deputy Larry Henderson, who was performing traffic control duties during a University of Cincinnati graduation ceremony. Pillich described the act as a “targeted killing,” emphasizing that Hinton’s actions endangered not only the deputy but also many innocent lives celebrating a significant milestone.
On the day of the incident, Hinton had been at the Cincinnati Police Department with family members, reviewing body camera footage from the previous day, where his son, Ryan Hinton, was fatally shot by a police officer during a confrontation involving a stolen vehicle. Witnesses reported that Hinton was visibly upset and agitated after watching the video. This emotional state, according to Pillich, contributed to the circumstances leading up to the fatal crash.
According to the timeline provided by Pillich, Hinton arrived at the police department at 9:33 a.m. on May 2. He left the building at 9:51 a.m., having become upset during the viewing of the footage. After leaving, Hinton and his family tried to find food at Findlay Market, but he refused to eat. They then went to a family member's home, where Hinton took a brief nap.
By 12:41 p.m., Hinton returned to the police department to retrieve his vehicle, leaving just a few minutes later. However, he returned to the police station again at 12:49 p.m. before finally departing for good at 12:50 p.m., with family members following him in another vehicle.
At approximately 1:05 p.m., Hinton drove onto Martin Luther King Drive, where Deputy Henderson was stationed in uniform, wearing a fluorescent vest and directing traffic. Prosecutors allege that Hinton waited for traffic to clear before intentionally driving across multiple lanes of oncoming traffic, directly targeting Henderson with his vehicle. “This was a targeted killing of an innocent deputy who was working to protect and serve his community,” Pillich stated during a press conference.
As Hinton accelerated towards Henderson, the deputy was struck and thrown several feet into the air. He was rushed to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center but succumbed to his injuries later that night. Pillich noted there were no indications that Hinton attempted to brake or avoid the collision, suggesting a clear intent to harm.
In the aftermath of the incident, Hinton’s attorney, Clyde Bennett II, has indicated that he may pursue an insanity defense, arguing that Hinton was not “in his right mind” at the time of the crash. Bennett emphasized Hinton’s history of mental illness, claiming that his client experienced a psychiatric episode triggered by witnessing the death of his son. “We look forward to our day in court,” Bennett stated, asserting that the indictment does not reflect guilt and that Hinton’s mental state is crucial to the case.
During a bond hearing on May 6, 2025, Bennett pleaded not guilty on behalf of Hinton and indicated plans to file for a mental competency hearing. However, Pillich stated that her office has not received any evidence of mental health issues that would absolve Hinton of responsibility for the tragic events.
The legal proceedings surrounding Hinton’s case have drawn significant public attention, particularly given the circumstances leading to Deputy Henderson’s death. Hamilton County Sheriff Charmaine McGuffey addressed the community during the press conference, urging calm and understanding as the judicial process unfolds. “I understand that tempers are high,” she said, requesting that the public allow justice to take its course.
Henderson, a 57-year-old father of five, had retired from the sheriff's office after 33 years but continued to work special assignments. He was honored for his service, and funeral arrangements were underway to ensure he received a burial with full honors.
As the case progresses, the Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office is treating it with the utmost seriousness, given the implications of the death penalty and the community’s need for justice. Pillich reiterated that the facts of the case meet the legal criteria for seeking the death penalty in Ohio, particularly since the victim was a law enforcement officer and Hinton had the specific intent to kill.
In the coming weeks, Hinton's defense team will likely present their arguments regarding his mental state, while prosecutors will work to establish the premeditated nature of the crime. The community remains on edge, grappling with the loss of Deputy Henderson and the broader implications of this case for law enforcement and public safety.
This case highlights the complexities of mental health in the criminal justice system and raises questions about accountability in moments of extreme emotional distress. As both sides prepare for trial, many will be watching closely, hoping for a resolution that addresses the needs of justice and healing for all involved.
