A Tragic Cycle of Violence: Ohio Father Charged with Murder After Son’s Death
In a chilling episode that underscores the escalating tensions between citizens and law enforcement, 38-year-old Rodney Hinton, Jr. has been arrested on charges of aggravated murder. This tragic turn of events occurred in Cincinnati, where Hinton allegedly ran over a sheriff’s deputy in an act of vengeance for the police shooting of his son, 18-year-old Ryan Hinton, just a day prior.
The events that led to this tragic cycle commenced on Thursday morning, when Ryan Hinton was spotted fleeing from a stolen KIA in Cincinnati, accompanied by three other suspects. During the police chase, he was observed discarding and retrieving a firearm. The confrontation ended fatally when a Cincinnati police officer shot him after he allegedly pointed the weapon towards law enforcement. Nearby, authorities recovered a handgun fitted with an extended magazine and additional ammunition on Ryan’s person. The other three suspects involved in the incident have since been taken into custody.
On the day of the incident involving his son, Rodney Hinton reportedly viewed the bodycam footage of Ryan’s death. Shortly thereafter, he allegedly ran over a retired Hamilton County Sheriff’s deputy, who was performing traffic duties for graduation events at the University of Cincinnati, thus marking a grim escalation in this already tragic narrative.
The crash scene was captured in a live report by WCPO-TV:
JUST IN: Cincinnati police said 38-year-old Rodney Hinton Jr. has been arrested for aggravated murder in the death of a sheriff’s deputy. He is the father of 18-year-old Ryan Hinton, who was shot and killed by an officer the day prior. https://t.co/3U8DnWGZDH pic.twitter.com/89A5uFYVPS
— WCPO 9 (@WCPO) May 3, 2025
In a statement from the Hinton family’s legal representatives, The Cochran Group, it was revealed that they have initiated an investigation into Ryan Hinton’s fatal shooting. The family had attended a meeting with Cincinnati police to review the relevant bodycam footage, an experience that left them understandably distraught. After leaving the meeting, Rodney Hinton’s subsequent actions led to the tragic death of the deputy, which has left both families grieving.
“Our firm was engaged by members of Ryan Hinton’s family to investigate his shooting death by a Cincinnati Police officer. We are currently in the initial stages of this investigation.”
“The family, including Ryan’s father, was present during the viewing of the bodycam video. It was a painful experience for them. Following this, we lost contact with Rodney until we learned of the unfortunate incident involving the traffic detail officer.”
“On behalf of Ryan Hinton’s family, we extend our sincere condolences to the family and colleagues of the officer who was killed. This represents an unimaginable tragedy for the community, leaving Ryan Hinton’s family heartbroken and devastated by the events that have transpired.”
Footage of a police briefing regarding Ryan Hinton’s death included significant details and bodycam videos of the incident:
“The driver, 38-year-old Rodney Hinton Jr., has been arrested and charged with aggravated murder. […] The crash happened roughly two hours after Hinton’s family viewed video footage of the teen’s death.”
/2 pic.twitter.com/ztURp6Ouj2— Shane B. Murphy (@shanermurph) May 3, 2025
During his arraignment on Saturday morning, surrounded by law enforcement, Rodney Hinton Jr. faced the judge, who denied him bail. A moment of unexpected support was captured as someone outside the courtroom made a heart gesture towards him:
Facing an aggravated murder charge for what prosecutors allege was a deliberate act resulting in the death of a retired Hamilton County Sheriff’s Deputy — Rodney Hinton Jr. appeared to tell deputies he’s going to be “gone forever, forever,” as he was escorted from court after being denied… pic.twitter.com/WAp73JeYFf
— Giacomo Luca (@GiacomoLucaTV) May 3, 2025
Video of the bond hearing, shared by WCPO, captured the poignant moment as supporters rallied around Hinton amid the tragic circumstances:
Watch as someone at Rodney Hinton Jr.’s arraignment makes a heart gesture in support. Hinton is accused of hitting and killing a Hamilton County Sheriff’s Deputy. pic.twitter.com/dAfajFaXFH
— WCPO 9 (@WCPO) May 3, 2025
