Hinton Told Psychologist He Turned to Strike Deputy

Rodney Hinton Jr. is on trial for aggravated murder and other charges in the May 2025 death of Hamilton County Deputy Larry Henderson, whom prosecutors say Hinton deliberately struck with his car while Henderson directed traffic. The collision occurred hours after Hinton watched police body-camera footage of his 18-year-old son’s fatal shooting. Hinton has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity; the defense says his mental illness and trauma left him unable to understand his actions. A defense psychologist testified that Hinton was disconnected from reality, while a prosecution psychologist said he understood his conduct was wrong despite having a mental illness. In interviews described in court, Hinton said he was in an emotional daze, had to turn toward Henderson to hit him, and was not thinking rationally. The defense has rested, with closing arguments and jury deliberations expected to follow.