Rodney Hinton, 38, has asked the court to let him change his plea to not guilty by reason of insanity after a court-appointed psychologist testified he has bipolar disorder. Hinton’s attorney says viewing body-camera footage of his son Ryan’s fatal police shooting the day before the May 2 collision impaired his judgment. Judge Jody Leubbers will weigh testimony from three psychologists before deciding whether to accept the plea; additional expert testimony is set for Jan. 5 and trial is scheduled for April.
Ohio Man Accused Of Running Over Special Deputy Seeks Insanity Plea After Viewing Son’s Fatal Shooting
Dec 11
Rodney Hinton Jr. in court in Cincinnati on May 13. (Liz Dufour / USA Today Network)
An Ohio man charged with deliberately striking and killing a Hamilton County special deputy is asking a judge to allow a change of plea to not guilty by reason of insanity, citing bipolar disorder and emotional trauma after watching body-camera footage of his son’s fatal shooting.
Case Background
Rodney Hinton, 38, originally pleaded not guilty after the May 2 collision that killed retired Special Deputy Larry Henderson. Court-appointed forensic psychologist Dr. Jenny O’Donnell testified that Hinton has bipolar disorder and that his condition significantly affected his decision-making on the day of the crash.
Mental-Health Evidence
Special Deputy Sheriff Larry Henderson. (Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office via Instagram)
Hinton’s attorney, Clyde Bennett II, told the court that Hinton became distraught hours earlier after viewing body-camera footage showing the fatal shooting of his 18-year-old son, Ryan Hinton, by a Cincinnati police officer on May 1. Bennett argued that the combination of Hinton’s diagnosed bipolar disorder and the emotional impact of watching the video impaired his judgment and should affect sentencing eligibility under Ohio law.
Upcoming Hearings And Testimony
Judge Jody Leubbers will weigh testimony from three psychologists before deciding whether to accept Hinton’s proposed plea. Dr. O’Donnell is one of the experts; the remaining psychologists representing the prosecution and defense are expected to testify on Jan. 5. Hinton’s criminal trial is scheduled to begin in April.
Incident Details
A makeshift memorial for Henderson in Cincinnati on May 5. (Liz Dufour / The Enquirer / USA Today Network)
Authorities say Henderson, who had retired earlier in the year and was working part time directing traffic near the University of Cincinnati during graduation activities, was struck on May 2 and later died at a local hospital. Police allege Hinton briefly stopped at an intersection before accelerating through it and striking Henderson, who was reportedly thrown several feet by the impact.
Charges And Related Matters
Hinton faces multiple charges, including two counts of aggravated murder, one count of murder and two counts of felonious assault. While detained at the Clermont County Jail, his lawyer said Hinton has received treatment for depression and anxiety. Cincinnati Police Chief Teresa Theetge has said there is a definite connection between the collision and the May 1 shooting of Ryan Hinton, which occurred when an officer responded to a report of a stolen vehicle.
While jailed, Hinton filed a federal lawsuit alleging unlawful detention and other civil-rights claims; a federal judge dismissed that lawsuit in September.
Henderson’s widow attended the hearing; the court will consider expert testimony before ruling on whether Hinton may change his plea and on his eligibility for the death penalty under state law.
