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Man convicted of murder for fatally striking deputy in Cincinnati

ABC News reports that Rodney Hinton Jr. was convicted of murder over a crash that killed Deputy Larry Ray Henderson Jr., and his lawyer plans an appeal.

The short version

  • Rodney Hinton Jr. was convicted of murder, reckless homicide, and felonious assault for a crash that killed Deputy Larry Ray Henderson Jr., the day after Hinton's teenage son was fatally shot by a Cincinnati police officer.[ABC News]
  • Hinton pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity, and his lawyer, Clyde Bennett II, said he would appeal the conviction.[ABC News]
  • Hinton faces 15 years to life in prison with the possibility of parole, and sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 16.[ABC News]
  • The defense says Hinton was having a psychotic episode and trying to kill himself, while prosecutors say he chose to aim his car at the deputy and understood right from wrong.[ABC News]

Key facts

  • Rodney Hinton Jr. was convicted of murder, reckless homicide, and felonious assault for a crash that killed Deputy Larry Ray Henderson Jr.[ABC News]
  • The crash occurred the day after Hinton's teenage son was fatally shot by a Cincinnati police officer.[ABC News]
  • Henderson was directing traffic for a college graduation when he was struck.[ABC News]
  • Hinton pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity, and his lawyer, Clyde Bennett II, said he would appeal the conviction.[ABC News]
  • Hinton faces 15 years to life in prison with the possibility of parole on the murder conviction, and sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 16.[ABC News]
  • Defense lawyer Clyde Bennett II said in closing arguments that Hinton was trying to kill himself and described him as having a psychotic episode.[ABC News]
  • Prosecutors said Hinton was distraught and grieving but chose to aim his car at the deputy and understood right from wrong.[ABC News]

What remains uncertain

  • Hinton's lawyer says he will appeal, so the conviction could still change.[ABC News]
  • The defense and prosecutors give conflicting accounts of Hinton's mental state at the time of the crash.[ABC News]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.