Murder verdict in Cincinnati
A Cincinnati jury found Rodney Hinton Jr. guilty of murder, reckless homicide and felonious assault over the May 2, 2025 death of Hamilton County Deputy Larry Ray Henderson Jr. The verdict determined that Hinton deliberately drove his car into Henderson while the deputy was managing traffic near Burnet Woods for a college graduation.
Henderson had retired from the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office several months earlier and continued to accept off-duty work. Sheriff Charmaine McGuffey said the verdict gave the office a degree of closure following the trial.
Mental state disputed at trial
Hinton entered a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity. His lawyer, Clyde Bennett II, maintained that Hinton was experiencing a psychotic episode, intended to take his own life and was not targeting Henderson. The defence said severe mental illness prevented Hinton from recognising the wrongfulness of what he was doing. MyNorthwest reported that Hinton had been diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder and other mental illnesses.
Prosecutors presented a different account, arguing that grief and distress did not prevent Hinton from understanding right and wrong. They said he recognised Henderson as an officer and chose to direct the vehicle toward him. The guilty verdict rejected the insanity defence and resolved the question of intent against Hinton.
The killing occurred several hours after Hinton and relatives watched body-camera video showing a Cincinnati police officer fatally shooting his son, Ryan Hinton, during a chase. Hamilton County Prosecutor Connie Pillich said an official review concluded that the officer’s use of force was legally justified. No charge was brought against the officer.
Appeal planned before sentencing
Bennett said he intends to challenge the conviction and plans to file an appeal within 30 days of sentencing. He also said footage of the fatal collision was likely decisive for jurors.
The sentencing hearing is set for November 16. Hinton faces a term of 15 years to life on the murder conviction, with parole potentially available.