Tragedy in Cincinnati: What Really Happened to Ryan Hinton and Deputy Henderson?
In May 2025, two lives were lost in Cincinnati within 24 hours—one in a police shooting, the other in a targeted act of revenge. This episode of Ten on Tactics breaks down the fatal encounter between police and 18-year-old Ryan Hinton, the prosecutor’s decision to rule it justified, and the tragic aftermath when Hinton’s father killed an uninvolved deputy.
7/14/20252 min read
On May 2, 2025, a routine college graduation in Cincinnati turned tragic when Deputy Larry Henderson Jr. was run over and killed in broad daylight. He was simply directing traffic—unaware that his death would be tied to a police shooting just 24 hours earlier involving an armed teen, Ryan Hinton.
This is the full story behind two devastating days that shook a city, sparked legal debate, and raised hard questions about policing, accountability, and vengeance.
The Initial Encounter: May 1, 2025
At 10 a.m., Cincinnati police approached a reported stolen vehicle in East Price Hill—an area marked by crime and gang activity. Four individuals fled. Among them: 18-year-old Ryan Hinton, who was armed with a semi-automatic handgun and extended magazine.
During the pursuit, Hinton dropped the weapon, ignored commands to stop, picked the gun back up, and continued running. An officer, fearing for his partner’s safety, fired three times. Hinton was killed at the scene. The weapon only fell from his hand after the shots.
Legal Review and Justification
Hamilton County Prosecutor Connie Pillich conducted a thorough review and found the shooting justified:
Immediate Threat: Hinton "bladed" his body after retrieving the gun, a stance consistent with aiming.
Eyewitness Corroboration: A civilian confirmed Hinton had a tan-and-brown gun—matching police accounts.
Digital Evidence: A photo of Hinton with the same weapon was discovered on his phone; a second loaded magazine was in his pocket.
Pillich concluded the use of deadly force was “objectively reasonable.” No criminal charges were filed.
The Civil Suit and the Family’s Claims
Ryan’s family filed a civil lawsuit, alleging excessive force. They argue he was fleeing, not threatening, and that officers misjudged the risk. Their legal team claims fear—not threat—drove the officers’ decision to shoot.
May 2: A Targeted Killing
Just a day after the shooting, Ryan’s father, Rodney Hinton Jr., drove onto a sidewalk and deliberately struck Deputy Larry Henderson Jr.—a 33-year law enforcement veteran and Marine Corps veteran—killing him instantly.
Deputy Henderson had no involvement in Ryan’s case. He left behind a wife and five children. Rodney Hinton was arrested and charged with aggravated murder.
One Chain, Two Tragedies
What connects these two deaths is more than just blood or badges—it’s a series of choices. Ryan Hinton chose to run. He chose to retrieve the gun. Rodney Hinton chose revenge over justice. And now, two families are grieving for entirely different reasons.
Had Ryan not gone back for the weapon, both he and Deputy Henderson might still be alive today.
Final Thoughts
This case isn’t just about legality. It’s about cause and consequence. Emotion and escalation. The legal system may eventually decide civil liability, but the human toll is already immeasurable.
