Rodney Hinton Jr, 38, has been charged with aggravated murder after allegedly striking and killing a Hamilton County sheriff’s deputy with his vehicle on May 2, 2025. The incident occurred just one day after his son, 18-year-old Ryan Hinton, was shot and killed by Cincinnati police during a foot chase involving a stolen vehicle.
Background: Police-Involved Shooting of Ryan Hinton
On May 1, 2025, Cincinnati police responded to reports of a stolen vehicle in the East Price Hill neighborhood. According to police, four individuals fled on foot. Officers claim that Ryan Hinton brandished a firearm during the pursuit, prompting an officer to open fire, fatally striking the teen.
Authorities later recovered a firearm at the scene; however, initial reports state there is no indication that Ryan Hinton fired the weapon at officers.
Rodney Hinton Jr Reacts and Alleged Retaliation
The following morning, Rodney Hinton Jr and other family members viewed the police body camera footage of Ryan’s fatal shooting at the Cincinnati Police Department. The family’s attorney, Michael Wright, stated that Hinton appeared visibly distraught and left the viewing session early.
Just hours later, around the University of Cincinnati campus—where a graduation ceremony was taking place—Deputy Larry Henderson, a retired officer working traffic detail, was hit by a vehicle. Investigators allege that Rodney Hinton Jr intentionally drove into the intersection, fatally striking the deputy.
Deputy Henderson was rushed to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, where he died as a result of his injuries.
Court Appearance and Legal Developments
On May 3, 2025, Rodney Hinton Jr appeared in court facing charges of aggravated murder. Prosecutors accused him of acting in a “calculated and premeditated” manner, stating that he deliberately accelerated to hit Deputy Henderson.
As Rodney was leaving his court appearance, he stared down the officers who showed up in an apparent attempt to intimidate him.
View this post on Instagram
Despite having no prior felony record, Hinton was denied bond and remains in custody. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 6, 2025.
Hero, nothing but respect for this man 🙏
Why on earth would a person who committed a premeditated murder be given bond? You state: “Despite having no prior felony record, Hinton was denied bond and remains in custody,” as if the perpertrator is the victim and his lack of a criminal record means anything.