A city mourns, a family grieves, and a nation watches as Cincinnati finds itself at the center of a tragic story that has sparked outrage, sorrow, and questions that no one can yet fully answer.

At the center of this firestorm is Deputy Larry Henderson, a respected law enforcement officer with more than three decades of service — and the alleged target of a grieving father’s desperate act of vengeance. His death, just one day after the controversial police shooting of 18-year-old Ryan Hinton, has left a community searching for truth, healing, and accountability.

Read more: Cincinnati Killings: A Father's Grief, a Deputy's Death, and a City Demanding Answers

Who Was Larry Henderson? The Deputy Shot A Teen, and Was Killed by His Father
Larry Henderson - Cincinnati Deputy Shot A Teen, and Was Killed by His Father

The Man Behind the Badge: Who Was Deputy Larry Henderson?

Deputy Larry Henderson, 61, served with the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office for 33 years. He wasn’t just a career officer — he was a builder of people. As a lead trainer, Henderson mentored generations of deputies, teaching not only tactics and procedures but values like restraint, communication, and respect.

“Larry was a trainer, a father figure to many in our ranks,” said Sheriff Charmaine McGuffey. “He left a mark on this department that will never be forgotten.”

Henderson was known for his calm presence, his sharp instincts, and his ability to defuse tension rather than escalate it. He was weeks away from retirement, planning to spend more time with his grandchildren.

Instead, he died in the line of duty on May 2, 2025, in a moment that may have been driven by grief, rage — and a father’s desperate cry for justice.

May 1: The Police Killing of Ryan Hinton

The chain of tragedy began a day earlier. On the morning of May 1, police responded to a report of a stolen vehicle in East Price Hill. When officers arrived, several suspects fled on foot — including Ryan Hinton, an 18-year-old high school senior with no criminal record.

Police claim that during the foot chase, Hinton turned and pointed a gun at them. One officer opened fire. Hinton was pronounced dead at the scene.

A handgun was found nearby, but authorities confirmed it had not been fired. The body camera footage, which has not been publicly released but was reviewed by Hinton’s family, does not clearly show the moment he allegedly aimed the weapon.

“This was a child,” said family attorney Michael Wright. “And the footage does not justify what happened. Ryan was running. And now he’s gone.”

The officer involved in the shooting has not been officially identified, but internal sources and legal filings suggest it may have been Deputy Larry Henderson — a detail that adds a harrowing dimension to the tragedy that followed.

May 2: Deputy Henderson Killed in Alleged Act of Retaliation

The next morning, Rodney Hinton Jr., Ryan’s father, sat in a conference room with Cincinnati police to watch the body cam footage of his son’s final moments. According to Wright, Rodney became visibly distressed and left the room before the video ended.

Hours later, around 1:00 p.m., Deputy Henderson was directing traffic outside a graduation ceremony at the University of Cincinnati. That’s when a vehicle veered off course and struck him with full force.

Witnesses report no signs of braking.

Henderson was rushed to the hospital but died shortly after. The driver — identified as Rodney Hinton Jr., 38 — was arrested at the scene. Prosecutors have charged him with aggravated murder, claiming the act was deliberate and premeditated.

A Community in Shock, A Nation Watching

The emotional toll of these events has left the Cincinnati community divided and raw. On one side, law enforcement agencies and public officials are mourning a trusted colleague, calling the attack on Henderson “an assault on justice.”

On the other side, civil rights advocates and supporters of the Hinton family see a narrative of institutional failure — a young Black teen shot and killed under questionable circumstances, and a grieving father pushed past his breaking point.

“This is not about justifying violence,” said Rev. Tameka Jones, a local activist. “This is about understanding what leads a man to such despair — and whether we as a society could have stopped it.”

The Investigation: Two Deaths, Two Stories, One City Divided

Authorities are now juggling two high-profile investigations:

  • The shooting of Ryan Hinton is under internal review by the Cincinnati Police Department. The body cam footage remains unreleased to the public.

  • The killing of Deputy Henderson is being prosecuted by the Hamilton County District Attorney’s Office. Prosecutors are expected to present new evidence at Hinton Jr.’s preliminary hearing on May 6.

Legal experts believe the defense may argue temporary insanity or extreme emotional distress. Others suggest a broader challenge — turning the courtroom into a stage to question the legality of the police shooting that set everything in motion.

Deputy Henderson’s Legacy

Deputy Larry Henderson’s career was defined by service, mentorship, and professionalism. His colleagues describe him as “a calming voice,” “a true teacher,” and “the best kind of cop.”

His badge number, #129, has been permanently retired. A public memorial is scheduled for later this week, with officers from across the state expected to attend.

“We will honor Larry by standing for the values he believed in,” Sheriff McGuffey said. “But we must also face the hard truths that brought us here.”

What Comes Next?

  • May 6, 2025 – Court hearing for Rodney Hinton Jr.

  • Pending – Public release of body camera footage

  • Ongoing – Internal affairs and prosecutor investigations

  • Expected – National attention from civil rights organizations and justice reform groups

Two Lives Lost. A City Changed Forever

The deaths of Ryan Hinton and Deputy Larry Henderson are not just tragic — they are defining. They reveal the human cost of broken systems, the volatility of grief, and the dangerous intersection of power and pain.

Cincinnati now faces a reckoning: not just with what happened, but with why it happened — and what must change to ensure it never happens again.

Killeen Mall Shooting: 5 injured as suspect crashes into Mall and is shot dead Killeen Mall Shooting: 5 injured as suspect crashes into Mall and is shot dead

A police chase ended in a terrible crash at Killeen Mall in Killeen, Texas, injuring multiple shoppers and leaving the driver shot dead.
Two US Navy Planes Were Shot Down: Houthi Missile or Two US Navy Planes Were Shot Down: Houthi Missile or "Friendly Fire"?

The recent accidental downing of two US Navy pilots by their own forces during an operation over the Red Sea has brought renewed attention to ...
Who was Michael Horan, North Carolina Cop Shot Dead in the Line of Duty Who was Michael Horan, North Carolina Cop Shot Dead in the Line of Duty

While responding to a call regarding a suspicious individual, a North Carolina police officer was shot and killed inside a grocery store, according to authorities. ...
Who is Markeem Benson, Accused of Killing Girlfriend Before Christmas Who is Markeem Benson, Accused of Killing Girlfriend Before Christmas

The man accused of killing his girlfriend days before Christmas appeared in North Las Vegas Justice Court Thursday morning for his arraignment.