A Hamilton County jury has begun deliberations in the trial of Rodney Hinton Jr., who is accused of the May 2025 death of Deputy Larry Henderson. The proceedings follow two weeks of testimony regarding a fatal vehicle collision that occurred shortly after Hinton watched footage of his son being killed by police.

Was the crash intentional?

Prosecutors argue that Hinton targeted the retired deputy, who was directing traffic at a University of Cincinnati graduation, with specific intent. They presented evidence suggesting Hinton waited for traffic to clear and steered his vehicle toward Henderson, striking him at nearly 44 mph.

Assistant Prosecutor Kate Burroughs told the jury, “Deliberate, aggressive, purposeful, intentional. Make no mistake — this was murder.” The prosecution contends that Hinton acted out of anger following the death of his 18-year-old son, Ryan, the previous day.

The context of the tragedy

The incident follows a period of intense personal trauma for the defendant. Just one day before the crash, Hinton's son, Ryan, was fatally shot by a police officer during an investigation involving a stolen vehicle.

Hours before the fatal collision with Deputy Henderson, Hinton had viewed body camera footage of the police shooting that killed his son. While authorities previously determined that the officer's use of force was justified, the emotional impact of the event is a central component of the current legal battle between the prosecution and the defense.

What is the insanity defense?

Defense attorneys present a different narrative, claiming the crash was a failed suicide attempt. They argue that Hinton was experiencing "acute psychotic symptoms" due to severe mental illness and the trauma of his son's death.

If the jury finds Hinton guilty of the primary charges, they must then determine if he is not guilty by reason of insanity. The defense's strategy includes:

  • Arguing Hinton intended to hit a utility pole rather than the deputy.
  • Claiming his mental state prevented him from understanding his actions.
  • Seeking a verdict of reckless homicide, a lesser charge permitted by the judge.

FAQ

Who was Larry Henderson?

Henderson was a veteran and a law enforcement officer with over 30 years of experience. At the time of the incident, he was working as a special deputy directing traffic.

What charges does Hinton face?

Hinton is facing several counts, including murder, aggravated murder, and felonious assault. He has entered a plea of not guilty based on insanity.