Man who fatally struck deputy after his son was killed by Cincinnati police is convicted of murder

Cincinnati, Ohio – Rodney Hinton Jr. was convicted of murder on Friday for striking and killing a county deputy, Deputy Larry Ray Henderson Jr., while his teenage son was fatally shot by a Cincinnati police officer the day before. The crash occurred in May 2025 when Hinton, who had a history of mental illness, collided with Henderson while directing traffic for a college graduation.

Hinton pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity, but prosecutors argued that although he was grieving and struggling with mental health issues, he intentionally drove into the intersection and aimed his car at the deputy. The prosecutor, Connie Pillich, emphasized that the officer was legally justified in firing his weapon during a chase in which his 18-year-old son, Ryan Hinton, was killed.

Hinton, who was also diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, faces between 15 years to life in prison with the possibility of parole. His sentencing is set for November 16.