The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office is mourning the tragic loss of Deputy Larry Henderson, a highly respected law enforcement officer who was killed on Friday in an alleged vehicular homicide near the University of Cincinnati campus.
Henderson, who had served with the department for an impressive 33 years, was struck and killed while directing traffic during graduation ceremonies, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, leadership, and mentorship.
Deputy Henderson began his career in 1991 and quickly distinguished himself through a wide range of roles and responsibilities. Over the years, he served as an academy instructor, dive team member, SWAT team operator, and bomb unit member and even collaborated with the FBI as a task force member.
His impact extended far beyond daily patrol duties, as he trained and mentored hundreds of deputy sheriffs throughout Hamilton County. Sheriff Charmaine McGuffey, in a heartfelt statement released Sunday, described Henderson as not only an exceptional officer but also an extraordinary teacher.
“In Deputy Henderson’s early tenure as a sheriff’s deputy, I recognized his talent for teaching and presentation,” McGuffey stated. “Larry developed an expertise and became an excellent trainer. His ability to relate to and touch officers’ lives was extraordinary. We will continue to honor Larry’s life of service.”
Just a few months ago, in December, the department celebrated Henderson’s retirement in a now-deleted Facebook post, highlighting his contributions and the respect he had earned from colleagues over the years.
Sheriff McGuffey also announced that Henderson’s badge number, #129, will be permanently retired — a solemn honor that reflects the profound loss felt across the agency.
On the day of the incident, Henderson was working a special detail to manage traffic around the University of Cincinnati, where graduation events were taking place. Around 1 p.m., he was struck by a vehicle at the intersection of Martin Luther King Drive and Burnet Woods Drive.
He was immediately rushed to UC Medical Center but succumbed to his injuries shortly thereafter. Authorities arrested the driver of the vehicle, 38-year-old Rodney Hinton Jr., who now faces charges of aggravated murder in connection with the incident.
The tragedy took an even more complicated and emotional turn when it was revealed that Hinton’s 18-year-old son, Ryan Hinton, had been fatally shot by Cincinnati police the day prior.
According to a statement released by the Hinton family’s legal representatives, Rodney Hinton had just viewed body camera footage of his son’s death before the incident, and was described as visibly distraught.
This deeply tragic chain of events has shocked both the law enforcement community and the public. As the investigation continues, the case is highlighting the immense emotional toll that such incidents can have on all parties involved — families, officers, and the community at large.
