The Hamilton County Sheriff's Office is mourning the loss of one of its own, following a tragic incident on Friday that took the life of a veteran deputy near the University of Cincinnati's campus. Deputy Larry Henderson, who served the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office for 33 years, was identified as the victim of what authorities are describing as a vehicular homicide. The incident occurred while Henderson was working a traffic detail for a UC graduation ceremony, a position he continued to hold post-retirement as a special deputy.
According to FOX19, Henderson's diverse tenure within the sheriff's department included roles such as Academy Instructor, Dive Team member, SWAT team member, FBI Task Force Officer, and member of the HCSO Bomb Unit. "In Deputy Henderson’s early tenure as a Sheriff’s Deputy, I recognized his talent for teaching and presentation," said Hamilton County Sheriff Charmaine McGuffey. "Larry began his journey as a Sheriff’s Office trainer early in his career. he developed an expertise and became an excellent trainer." The Hamilton County Sheriff's Office also acknowledged Henderson's retirement via a Facebook post in December, a post that has been taken down since the tragic event.
Henderson was not just a colleague but a pillar within the law enforcement community, known for his ability to connect with and instruct hundreds of deputy sheriffs throughout his career. "His ability to relate to and touch officers' lives was extraordinary," Sheriff McGuffey told WLWT, signaling the deep impact of his loss within the sheriff's office.
The suspect accused of this deliberate act is Rodney Hinton Jr., 38, who was charged with aggravated murder. Hinton's motive is speculated to be a harrowing act of retribution, as his son, 18-year-old Ryan Hinton, was killed in an officer-involved shooting during a stolen car investigation, an event that was precipitated just after the release of body cam footage showing the incident. According to Local12, Rodney Hinton Jr. appeared in court Saturday morning to face these charges. The Hamilton County Sheriff's Office is committed to honoring Deputy Henderson's life of service and the legacy he left behind.
