Rodney Hinton Jr. Charged with Aggravated Murder of Deputy in Cincinnati

Rodney Hinton Jr., 38, appeared in court Saturday charged with aggravated murder after allegedly intentionally hitting and killing a Hamilton County sheriff's deputy with his car while the deputy was directing traffic near the University of Cincinnati during commencement events. The incident occurred one day after Hinton’s 18-year-old son, Ryan Hinton, was shot and killed by Cincinnati police. The courtroom was packed with sheriff's deputies showing solidarity for their fallen colleague, and Hinton was ordered held without bail and transferred to Clermont County for security reasons. Prosecutors argued that Hinton’s actions were premeditated, while his defense highlighted that he has no prior felonies and that the situation is emotionally charged due to his son's recent death. The deputy, who had recently retired but was working a special detail, died at the hospital following the incident. Hinton’s next court appearance is scheduled for Tuesday.