Rodney Hinton Jr. has been denied bond following his arrest for the aggravated murder of Hamilton County Sheriff’s Deputy Larry Henderson. The tragic incident occurred on May 2 when Hinton allegedly hit and killed Deputy Henderson with his car.
Hinton, who has been charged with aggravated murder, appeared in court on Tuesday, May 6. During the hearing, Hamilton County Municipal Judge Tyrone Yates ordered that Hinton remain in jail without bond while he awaits trial. “There will be an order of remand with no bond,” Judge Yates said. He also instructed authorities to ensure Hinton’s safety and provide mental health treatment.
This case unfolded just days after a tragic event involving Hinton’s son, Ryan. On April 30, Cincinnati police fatally shot 18-year-old Ryan Hinton during a police pursuit. Authorities stated that Ryan was fleeing from officers in a stolen vehicle and was armed when he ran. Hinton’s attorney, Clyde Bennett II, requested bond for his client, claiming that Hinton should not be seen as a “cop-killer,” but as a person struggling with mental illness.
A disturbance broke out in the courtroom as the hearing began. Law enforcement escorted a man from the gallery after he shouted, “I just want my brother to see me.” The hearing continued after the disruption was cleared.
Prosecuting attorney Ryan Nelson argued that Hinton posed a significant danger to both law enforcement and the public. He presented testimony from Officer Carl Beebe, who described the fatal collision. According to Beebe, Hinton intentionally drove his vehicle at Deputy Henderson, hitting him without any signs of braking.
Officer Beebe also stated that after meeting with police and viewing body-worn camera footage of his son’s death, Hinton appeared distraught. However, Beebe’s testimony indicated that Hinton made a deliberate decision to drive directly toward Deputy Henderson.
Hinton’s attorney, Bennett, acknowledged Hinton’s emotional state but pointed out his lack of prior felony convictions. However, Judge Yates ruled that the public safety risks were too great to grant bond. “It is very difficult to make a decision that would protect the defendant and the public under these circumstances,” Yates stated.
Hinton’s next court appearance is scheduled for May 12. Meanwhile, Hinton’s family is seeking answers about Ryan Hinton’s death. Hinton’s attorney, Michael Wright, has filed a public records request for the body camera footage and police reports of the officers involved. “We will analyze these videos frame by frame,” Wright said, aiming to understand why the officer made the decision to shoot and kill Ryan.
For more updates on the ongoing legal case and investigation, visit DC Brief.
