A father’s vengeful act following his son’s shooting by police has claimed the life of a respected Ohio sheriff’s deputy who was directing traffic at a university graduation ceremony.
At a Glance
- Rodney Hinton Jr. allegedly struck and killed a Hamilton County sheriff’s deputy with his car in what prosecutors call a “calculated and premeditated” act
- The incident occurred just one day after Hinton’s 18-year-old son, Ryan, was fatally shot by police after pointing a gun at officers
- Witnesses report Hinton deliberately targeted the deputy who was directing traffic near the University of Cincinnati graduation ceremony
- Hinton is being held without bond on aggravated murder charges with his next hearing scheduled for May 6
- The deputy, whose identity has not been released, had recently retired but was serving in a special capacity at the time of his death
A Deliberate Act of Vengeance
Rodney Hinton Jr. faces aggravated murder charges after allegedly using his vehicle as a weapon against a Hamilton County sheriff’s deputy directing traffic at a University of Cincinnati graduation ceremony. Prosecutors assert that Hinton’s actions were far from accidental. In court, prosecuting attorney Ryan Nelson described how Hinton “lined up his car, deliberately accelerated his car and purposely caused the death of an on-duty deputy sheriff.” What initially appeared to be a tragic traffic incident quickly evolved into a homicide investigation as witness accounts and evidence emerged.
The timing of the attack – occurring just one day after Hinton’s 18-year-old son Ryan was fatally shot by police – suggests a motive of revenge. Multiple witnesses reported that Hinton paused before deliberately swerving to strike the deputy. The calculated nature of this action has shocked the community and law enforcement agencies across Ohio. During his arraignment, Hinton appeared defiant as dozens of deputies lined the courtroom in a show of solidarity for their fallen colleague.
The Preceding Police Shooting
The events leading to this tragedy began with the fatal police shooting of Ryan Hinton, the defendant’s 18-year-old son. According to reports, Ryan was shot after pointing a firearm at police officers during an encounter involving a stolen vehicle. Body camera footage of the incident has been released, and initial reviews suggest the officers’ actions were justified. The Hinton family had hired attorneys to investigate the circumstances surrounding Ryan’s death and had recently viewed the body camera footage of the incident.
“The statement went on to say: ‘This is an unimaginable tragedy for this community. Ryan Hinton’s family is heartbroken by this tragic turn of events and we are all devastated for the family of the officer who was killed.'”, said the attorneys representing the Hinton family.
Despite having no prior felony record, Hinton Jr. now faces the most serious charge in the criminal justice system. The judge ordered he be held without bond until his next court appearance on May 6. Legal experts suggest that the premeditated nature of the attack and the victim’s status as a law enforcement officer could potentially make this case eligible for enhanced penalties under Ohio law.
A Community in Mourning
The identity of the deceased deputy has not been publicly released due to privacy laws, but officials have confirmed he had recently retired from full-time service and was working in a special capacity at the time of his death. The Hamilton County Sheriff described the fallen deputy as being loved and respected by his peers throughout his distinguished career. Law enforcement agencies across the state have expressed their condolences and support for the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office during this difficult time.
“Ohio Governor Mike DeWine released a statement expressing sadness over the incident and condemning what appears to be an intentional act of violence.”, Ohio Governor, Mike DeWine, said.
The University of Cincinnati has also issued a statement expressing condolences to the deputy’s family and the law enforcement community. The graduation ceremony, meant to be a celebration of academic achievement, has instead become associated with a senseless tragedy that has affected multiple families and the broader community. Support services have been made available for students and staff who witnessed the incident or are struggling with its aftermath.
