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⚖️ Rodney Hinton Jr. Murder Trial Begins: Meet the Key Players

The murder trial of Rodney Hinton Jr. began Wednesday, October 7, 2026, in Hamilton County Common Pleas Court.

Hinton is charged in the May 2, 2025, death of Hamilton County Sheriff's Deputy Larry Henderson, who was directing traffic near the University of Cincinnati during graduation activities. Prosecutors allege Hinton intentionally struck Henderson with his vehicle.

Meet the Key Players

▪️ Rodney Hinton Jr. — Defendant: Hinton has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. His 18-year-old son, Ryan Hinton, was fatally shot by Cincinnati police the day before Henderson's death.

▪️ Clyde Bennett II — Defense Attorney: A prominent Cincinnati criminal defense attorney with decades of courtroom experience. Bennett reports securing 224 not-guilty verdicts throughout his career, including 25 in homicide cases involving capital, federal, and double murder charges.

▪️ Heidi Rosales — Chief Assistant Prosecutor: An attorney with nearly three decades of legal experience in criminal prosecution, defense, civil litigation, and government law. She returned to the Hamilton County Prosecutor's Office in 2025.

▪️ Judge Jody Luebbers — Presiding Judge: A Hamilton County Common Pleas Court judge since 2008, with previous experience as a prosecutor and private-practice attorney.

Day 1 Highlights — October 7

• A 12-person jury was finalized, and jurors visited the location where Henderson was struck.

• Prosecutors argued that Hinton deliberately drove into Henderson and understood his actions were wrong.

• The defense emphasized Hinton's history of mental illness and his emotional condition after viewing police body-camera footage of his son's death.

• Henderson's wife testified about their final interaction before he left for work. A Sheriff's Office captain presented evidence concerning Henderson's assignment and equipment.

The trial will continue with additional testimony and evidence. Hinton is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

📷 Photos: The Cincinnati Enquirer
Sources: Cincinnati Enquirer, WVXU, Fox19 and Clyde Bennett II ...

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