Ohio Man Charged with Aggravated Murder After Fatally Striking Deputy Day After Son’s Police Shooting

CINCINNATI, Ohio — A deeply tragic chain of events has rocked the Cincinnati area after authorities say Rodney Hinton Jr. purposely struck and killed a Hamilton County sheriff’s deputy with his car—just one day after his 18-year-old son, Ryan Hinton, was fatally shot by police.

Cincinnati police confirmed Hinton Jr., 44, has been charged with aggravated murder for the death of Deputy Larry Henderson, who was hit while directing traffic near the University of Cincinnati on Friday. Officials allege the act was deliberate and motivated by the grief and anger following his son’s death.

Prosecutor Ryan Nelson described Hinton’s actions as “calculated and premeditated,” stating in court Saturday that Hinton lined up his vehicle, accelerated, and intentionally struck the on-duty officer.

“This was not an accident,” Nelson said. “This was an act of violence with devastating consequences.”

Deputy Larry Henderson, a 33-year veteran of the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, was mourned by colleagues and officials across the state. Sheriff Charmaine McGuffey praised his long-standing service, calling him “an excellent trainer” who had a lasting impact on the department.

“His ability to relate to and touch officers’ lives was extraordinary,” McGuffey said in a statement. “We will continue to honor Larry’s life of service.” The department announced that Deputy Henderson’s badge number, #129, will be retired.

Hinton Jr. appeared in court Saturday, where dozens of fellow deputies attended to show support for the fallen officer. His attorney acknowledged the gravity of the charge, calling it a “very serious, very terrible” case, but noted Hinton has no prior felony record. The judge ordered Hinton to be held without bond at Clermont County Jail, with his next hearing set for May 6.

The Cochran Firm and Pierson and Pierson, LLC—representing the Hinton family—released a statement saying Rodney Hinton and relatives had met with Cincinnati police just hours before the deputy’s death to view body camera footage of Ryan Hinton’s shooting. They described the family as “understandably distraught” after viewing the footage.

“This is an unimaginable tragedy for this community,” the attorneys wrote. “Ryan Hinton’s family is heartbroken by this tragic turn of events and we are all devastated for the family of the officer who was killed.”

Deputy Henderson had recently retired but was working a special detail at the time of his death. Under Ohio privacy laws, authorities withheld his identity until Sunday evening.

Investigations into both Ryan Hinton’s police shooting and Deputy Henderson’s death are ongoing.