In the heart of Cincinnati, Ohio, a tragic and shocking event has unfolded, leading to a father’s profound grief spiraling into a devastating situation. Rodney Hinton Jr is facing serious charges of aggravated murder for allegedly driving his vehicle into a Hamilton County sheriff’s deputy, resulting in the deputy’s death. This incident tragically occurred just one day after the police fatally shot his 18-year-old son, Ryan Hinton, igniting deep community outrage and sadness.

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A Deputy’s Life Cut Short During University Ceremony

The catastrophic collision occurred on Friday, May 2, amidst the bustling atmosphere of the University of Cincinnati’s commencement ceremony. Deputy Larry Henderson, who had been serving part-time with the local police department since his retirement in December, was fulfilling his duties by directing traffic when a vehicle unexpectedly sped toward him.

According to reports from NBC News, law enforcement authorities assert that Rodney Hinton Jr. allegedly accelerated towards the deputy, leading to a fatal impact that resulted in the deputy’s immediate demise at the scene. Eyewitness accounts suggest that investigators suspect Hinton’s actions may have been driven by his overwhelming grief over the loss of his son, Ryan Hinton, who had tragically died just 24 hours earlier.

Circumstances Surrounding Ryan Hinton’s Fatal Confrontation With Cincinnati Police

On Thursday, May 1, Cincinnati police were dispatched to an apartment complex in response to reports of a stolen Kia vehicle. Upon arrival, they encountered Ryan as one of the four suspects attempting to escape the scene. Police Chief Teresa Theetge disclosed that Ryan allegedly displayed a semi-automatic handgun towards the officers, prompting immediate defensive action from one officer who opened fire. Body camera footage from ABC News shows an officer urgently shouting, “He’s got a gun! He’s got a gun!” Tragically, Ryan was hit during the confrontation and, despite extensive medical intervention, succumbed to his injuries shortly thereafter. Law enforcement later recovered a loaded, unfired handgun in close proximity to the scene.

Rodney Hinton Jr. Reportedly Goes Missing Following Emotional Viewing of Bodycam Footage

Just moments before the harrowing car crash, Rodney Hinton Jr. and his family experienced an emotionally charged viewing of the body camera footage that captured Ryan’s final moments in the presence of law enforcement. Their legal representatives released a poignant statement illustrating the family’s deep emotional turmoil following the viewing.

“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 elaborated. “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.”

What’s Next for Rodney Hinton Jr. Following His Arrest?

On May 3, Rodney Hinton Jr. made his first court appearance in front of a judge, where the courtroom was filled with law enforcement personnel honoring their fallen colleague. Prosecutor Ryan Nelson did not hold back in his remarks, labeling Hinton Jr.’s actions as “calculated and premeditated.” He alleged that Hinton Jr. deliberately positioned his car, accelerated with intent, and intentionally caused the tragic death of an on-duty deputy sheriff, a statement that adds to the severity of the charges against him.

Judge Tyrone Yates subsequently denied Rodney Hinton Jr. any possibility of bond, remanding him to Clermont County Jail. His next court date is scheduled for May 6, where further proceedings will determine the course of this high-profile case.

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

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