Murder Trial to Begin for Rodney Hinton Jr.
Jury selection starts this week in the trial of a man accused of killing a retired Cincinnati deputy.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Law Enforcement
Jury selection begins October 6, 2026, for the murder trial of Rodney Hinton Jr., who is accused of killing retired Deputy Larry Henderson with his vehicle on May 2, 2025. The trial is scheduled to officially commence on October 8, 2026.
Why it matters
The trial will center on whether Hinton was legally insane at the time of the killing, as prosecutors allege he specifically targeted the retired officer for his past law enforcement service.
Rodney Hinton Jr. faces five total criminal charges, including one count of murder. Jury selection is expected to last three days before the trial moves to opening arguments.
The players
Rodney Hinton Jr.
He is the defendant currently facing multiple murder and assault charges in Hamilton County.
Larry Henderson
He was a retired deputy whose death in 2025 led to the current criminal trial in Cincinnati.
The details
Prosecutors contend that Hinton used his vehicle to intentionally strike and kill Larry Henderson in a targeted act. Hinton has entered a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity, making his mental state at the time of the incident the primary focus of the proceedings.
Timeline
May 2, 2025: The date the incident involving Larry Henderson occurred.
September 2026: The timeframe of the final pre-trial hearing for the defendant.
October 6, 2026: The start date for the jury selection process.
October 8, 2026: The scheduled date for the start of the trial.
Legal Context
This case follows the standard judicial process for high-profile criminal trials involving law enforcement victims in Hamilton County. It represents the formal adjudication phase required to resolve charges following the 2025 death of Larry Henderson.
The trial proceedings in Cincinnati may lead to heightened security at the courthouse or specific traffic considerations near the facility during the multi-week trial. Residents should remain aware of potential disruptions to local court access as the legal process unfolds.
The takeaway
The court's decision will hinge on the defense's ability to prove the insanity plea during the multi-week trial. The resolution of this case will provide a final legal determination regarding the charges of murder and aggravated murder.
Further reading
For more information on local judicial proceedings, visit Law Enforcement.
