Deputy Larry Henderson Death & Obituary : In a deeply tragic and emotionally charged sequence of events, the Greater Cincinnati community is mourning the death of retired Hamilton County Deputy Larry Henderson, who was fatally struck while directing traffic near the University of Cincinnati. In a startling development, the suspect charged in the incident is the father of an 18-year-old who was shot and killed by police just one day earlier.
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Retired Deputy Killed While Assisting with UC Graduation Traffic
The fatal incident occurred around 1 p.m. on Friday at the intersection of Martin Luther King Drive and Burnet Woods Drive, where graduation ceremonies at the University of Cincinnati were underway. Retired Deputy Larry Henderson, who had recently completed a distinguished 33-year career with the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, was working a special traffic detail when he was struck by an oncoming vehicle.
He was transported to UC Medical Center, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Community Pays Tribute to Deputy Henderson
On Friday evening, a solemn procession of law enforcement vehicles lined the streets in tribute to Deputy Henderson. During his career, he served as a bomb technician, dive team commander, and federal task force officer, earning widespread respect for his dedication to public safety.
Suspect Identified as Rodney Hinton Jr., Father of Teen Fatally Shot by Police
Police identified the driver of the vehicle as Rodney Hinton Jr., who has been charged with aggravated murder. In a shocking twist, Hinton Jr. is the father of Ryan Hinton, the teen who was fatally shot by Cincinnati police on Thursday in a separate incident in East Price Hill.
Authorities are still determining whether Henderson was intentionally targeted or if the tragedy was an unfortunate coincidence. The case remains under active investigation.
Background: East Price Hill Police Shooting of Ryan Hinton
The events began Thursday morning when a man from Edgewood, Kentucky, reported his Kia SUV stolen. GPS tracking led police to Westview Condominiums in East Price Hill, where four individuals were found sleeping inside the stolen vehicle.
When officers arrived, a brief foot chase began. According to police, Ryan Hinton, 18, allegedly pointed a firearm at an officer during the pursuit. The officer, perceiving a threat to his life, discharged his weapon, striking Hinton twice. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Cincinnati Police Chief Teresa Theetge stated that bodycam footage shows Hinton emerging from between dumpsters in a “bladed position,” with a gun allegedly drawn. A loaded weapon with a chambered round and two full magazines was recovered at the scene.
Ongoing Investigations and Arrests
The police shooting is under internal investigation, with the findings to be reviewed by the Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office. Chief Theetge has indicated preliminary support for the officer’s use of force.
Meanwhile, two other suspects from the stolen vehicle—DeAnthony Bullucks, 19, and Jurell Austin, 18—have been arrested and charged with obstruction and receiving stolen property. A fourth individual remains at large.
Deputy Larry Henderson
Deputy Larry Henderson retired in December 2024 but remained active in community service through a Special Deputy Patrol Officer role. His death has left the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office and surrounding agencies in mourning.
“Our hearts are heavy as we extend our deepest condolences to the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office and the family of the deputy who lost his life in the line of duty. Your service and sacrifice will never be forgotten,” read a statement from the Butler County Sheriff’s Office.
Conclusion
This tragic chain of events—marked by the fatal police shooting of a teen and the death of a respected retired deputy—has shaken the community and prompted widespread reflection and investigation. As questions continue to emerge, the public awaits further clarity on the circumstances surrounding both incidents.
Deputy Larry Henderson’s official obituary and funeral arrangements will be announced in the coming days.