Rodney Hinton Convicted of Murder in Car Death of Hamilton County Deputy Larry Henderson
Rodney L. Hinton, 40, was found guilty of murder, reckless homicide, and felonious assault on Friday after a 10-day trial in Ohio, according to authorities. Jurors rejected a defense argument that Hinton could not distinguish right from wrong due to severe emotional distress after watching police body-worn camera footage of his 18-year-old son being shot and killed by Cincinnati police officers just hours prior. Hinton faces between 15 years and life in prison, with sentencing tentatively scheduled for November 16, 2026.
The fatal confrontation involving Hamilton County special deputy Larry Henderson occurred shortly after Hinton’s family and their attorneys viewed footage of the police shooting of Ryan Hinton. Ryan Hinton had been killed the previous day during an attempted police detention at an apartment complex regarding a reported stolen vehicle. Police stated that Ryan Hinton was armed, and body camera footage captured an officer shouting that he had a gun before firing about four shots as the teenager ran away. It remains unclear from the footage whether Ryan Hinton aimed a firearm at the officers.
Prosecution Details How Hinton Targeted Deputy Larry Henderson
Following the viewing of the body camera footage, Rodney Hinton drove away in his own vehicle and steered it directly toward Deputy Larry Henderson, according to Cincinnati police. Prosecutors argued during the trial that Hinton tracked the law enforcement officer. Assistant prosecutor Kate Burroughs stated in closing arguments that Hinton turned his steering wheel in the same direction that Henderson moved, striking and throwing him into the air. Henderson saw the vehicle approaching but could not avoid the impact.
Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson issued a statement following the verdict addressing the loss of the public servant. The senseless murder of Deputy Larry Henderson Jr shattered a family and left a community mourning the loss of a dedicated public servant,
Wilson said, noting that Henderson’s death highlights the daily risks faced by law enforcement officers.
Defense Strategy and Planned Appeal After the Verdict
During the proceedings, defense attorney Clyde Bennett II asked jurors to acquit Hinton of all charges by reason of insanity, arguing that the father was too distressed by his son’s killing to understand his actions. Jurors began deliberations on Wednesday before returning Friday’s guilty verdicts on murder, reckless homicide, and felonious assault charges. Speaking to reporters after the court session, Bennett indicated that the legal battle will continue. The fight is not over,
Bennett said in remarks recorded by Cincinnati news station WLWT, confirming plans to pursue an appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Rodney Hinton Trial
What specific charges did the jury return against Rodney Hinton?
Jurors found Hinton guilty of murder, reckless homicide, and felonious assault after deliberations that began on Wednesday.
When is Rodney Hinton scheduled to be sentenced?
His sentencing is tentatively scheduled for November 16, 2026, where he faces a prison term ranging from 15 years to life.
What was the defense argument during the 10-day trial?
His defense attorney argued that Hinton was legally insane at the time of the incident because he was overwhelmingly distressed over the police killing of his son.
More on Ohio
A Hamilton County, Ohio jury convicted Rodney Hinton Jr. of murder for ramming his car into Deputy Larry Henderson. The crash happened hours after Hinton watched bodycam video of police fatally shooting his 18-year-old son, Ryan. Jurors rejected his insanity defense. pic.twitter.com/hiM5bUJ0NS
🚨An Ohio jury has found Rodney Hinton Jr. guilty in the death of Hamilton County Sheriff’s Deputy Larry Henderson, who was struck and killed by a vehicle in May 2025.THE BACKSTORY: Hinton’s 18-year-old son, Ryan, was fatally shot by Cincinnati police on May 1, 2025. The… pic.twitter.com/XnJf1ulqI3
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