*Rodney Hinton Jr., accused of intentionally running over and killing a Hamilton County sheriff’s deputy just days after his son was shot by Cincinnati police, has been ordered held without bond as he awaits trial for aggravated murder.
In a court hearing Tuesday, Judge Tyrone Yates issued the no-bond order, citing public safety concerns and the need for a mental health evaluation. “There will be an order of remand with no bond. Please assure the safety of the defendant and any mental health treatment that can be granted,” Yates stated, per CNN.
Hinton Jr. is facing a charge of aggravated murder in connection with Deputy Larry Henderson’s death. During the hearing, his attorney, Clyde Bennett II, entered a not guilty plea on his behalf and petitioned the court for bail. The charge stems from the May 2 death of Henderson, who was struck by a vehicle authorities say Hinton Jr. was driving. The fatal incident occurred after Hinton Jr. had watched body camera footage of his son, 18-year-old Ryan Hinton, being fatally shot by police.
Officers said Ryan was fleeing from a stolen car and appeared armed, although the exact moment he allegedly pointed a gun is not visible in the video. There is no indication that Deputy Henderson was involved in Ryan’s shooting, nor that Hinton Jr. had any prior connection to him.
Prosecutor Ryan Nelson argued that Hinton Jr. poses “a clear and present danger” in his current mental state, describing him as a “giant mental health question mark.” Officer Carl Beebe testified that Hinton Jr. accelerated directly into the deputy without braking, citing witness statements and the absence of skid marks.
Scroll to continue reading
“We believe, based on our investigation and the witnesses that we spoke to up to this point, that Hinton left our office and was traveling and came upon deputy Henderson and made an intentional decision to drive directly at deputy Henderson and strike him and kill him,” Beebe said.
Hinton Jr.’s defense attorney stressed that his client is suffering from a mental health crisis. “I don’t think he was a cop killer. I think he’s not in his right mind,” Bennett said.
“And I think he should be treated like any other mentally ill person that commits a crime under the auspices, control and authority of a mental defect in the condition,” the attorney added.
Hinton Jr., who has no prior felony convictions, is scheduled to return to court on May 12. Meanwhile, his family continues to seek more information about Ryan Hinton’s death, requesting all relevant body camera footage and police reports for independent review.
MORE NEWS ON EURWEB.COM: ‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’ Promises a Chilling Finale to the Iconic Horror Franchise | Watch Teaser
We Publish Breaking News 24/7. Don’t Miss Out! Sign up for our Free daily newsletter HERE.
