CINCINNATI, Ohio — An Ohio man was denied bond on Tuesday after being charged with aggravated murder for allegedly striking and killing a special deputy with his car. Rodney L. Hinton, 44, stands accused of intentionally hitting Hamilton County Deputy Larry Henderson, who was directing traffic near the University of Cincinnati during graduation ceremonies on Friday.
In a tense hearing that unfolded amid disruptions from the gallery, Hinton pleaded not guilty. The commotion began when an individual outside the courtroom shouted in distress, identified as a family member of Hinton. Following a brief recess to restore order, the judge instructed attendees to remain calm. Hinton was taken into custody on the day of the incident, which authorities claim was rooted in a tragic sequence of events.
Deputy Henderson was hospitalized after the collision but succumbed to his injuries shortly thereafter. Henderson had recently retired from the sheriff’s office and was working as a special deputy when he was struck. “He was well-respected and admired in our community,” remarked Hamilton County Sheriff Charmaine McGuffey at a press conference, expressing the profound sadness felt over Henderson’s death.
A crucial detail in the case connects the fatal collision to a separate police shooting just hours before. Cincinnati Police Chief Teresa Theetge confirmed that Rodney Hinton’s son, 18-year-old Ryan Hinton, was killed by police shortly before his father’s actions. The younger Hinton was suspected of being armed while fleeing from officers responding to a report of a stolen vehicle. The chief described how the encounter escalated within seconds, culminating in the officer firing several shots at the teen, striking him twice.
Body camera footage from the police shooting has raised questions for the family. It shows a chaotic scene where Ryan appears to run from an officer who aims a gun at him, leading to the officer’s use of deadly force. Following the events, family members voiced concerns about Rodney Hinton’s state of mind after he viewed the body camera footage of his son’s shooting.
During the bond hearing, Officer Carl Beebe testified that Hinton reportedly became agitated after watching the video. Despite family attempts to dissuade him from driving, Hinton returned to the parking lot to retrieve his vehicle. The officer recounted how Hinton allegedly accelerated through the intersection where Deputy Henderson was situated, ultimately colliding with him and a utility pole. There was no indication that Hinton tried to brake.
In arguing against bail, prosecutors labeled Hinton as a significant risk to public safety, citing prior encounters with law enforcement that included incidents involving domestic violence. Defense attorney Clyde Bennett contended that Hinton should be viewed through the lens of mental health rather than as a criminal. “He was not in his right mind,” Bennett stated, advocating for a compassionate approach to Hinton’s situation.
As the investigation continues, the community mourns the loss of Deputy Henderson while grappling with the complex circumstances surrounding these two devastating events. The family has expressed condolences to all those affected and has called for prayers for healing and understanding in light of the tragedies that unfolded within a mere span of hours.