In Cincinnati, Ohio, a father’s sorrow is alleged to have turned fatal. Rodney Hinton Jr. is charged with aggravated murder for allegedly striking and killing a sheriff’s deputy with his vehicle. The incident occurred just one day after police fatally shot his 18-year-old son, Ryan Hinton.
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Tragic Incident Claims Deputy’s Life At University Event
The crash took place on Friday, May 2, during the University of Cincinnati’s commencement ceremony. Deputy Larry Henderson, who’s been working part-time with the police department since retiring in December, per the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Facebook page, was directing traffic when a car came speeding his way.
Per NBC News, authorities say Rodney Hinton Jr. allegedly sped toward the deputy, whose identity has yet to be released, striking him in a fatal collision. The deputy later passed away at the scene. Investigators now believe Hinton’s actions were fueled by grief over his son, Ryan Hinton, who died just 24 hours earlier.
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Details On Rodney’s Son’s Fatal Encounter With Cincinnati Cops
On Thursday, May 1, Cincinnati police rushed to an apartment complex following reports of a stolen Kia vehicle in the area. When law enforcement showed up, Ryan was one of four suspects who allegedly tried to flee from the scene. According to Police Chief Teresa Theetge, Ryan reportedly pointed a semi-automatic handgun at officers, prompting one to open fire. Body camera footage via ABC News captures an officer yelling, “He’s got a gun! He’s got a gun!” Ryan was struck and, despite lifesaving efforts, he succumbed to his injuries. Police later recovered a loaded, unfired handgun near the scene.
Rodney Hinton Jr. Reportedly Disappears Shortly After Watching The Bodycam Footage
Shortly before the car crash, Rodney Hinton Jr. and his family sat through an emotional viewing of the body camera footage capturing Ryan’s final moments at the police department. Their legal team released a statement describing the family’s distress after watching the video.
“Ryan Hinton’s family, including Ryan’s father, was present at the meeting and they were understandably distraught as they watched the bodycam video,” the statement read. “After the meeting with the police department, Ryan Hinton’s father left in his own vehicle, and that was the last we heard from him until learning about the tragic incident involving a law enforcement officer.”
More About Rodney & What’s Next For Him?
Meanwhile, on May 3, Rodney Hinton Jr. faced a judge in a courtroom that was filled with sheriff’s deputies paying tribute to their colleague. Prosecutor Ryan Nelson didn’t hold back, calling Hinton Jr’s actions “calculated and premeditated.” He alleged that Hinton Jr., “lined up his car, deliberately accelerated his car, and purposely caused the death of an on-duty deputy sheriff.”
Judge Tyrone Yates went on to deny Rodney Hinton Jr. bond. He was then remanded to Clermont County Jail, with his next court appearance set for May 6.
Watch as someone at Rodney Hinton Jr.'s arraignment makes a heart gesture in support. Hinton is accused of hitting and killing a Hamilton County Sheriff's Deputy. pic.twitter.com/dAfajFaXFH
— WCPO 9 (@WCPO) May 3, 2025
