Jurors in the Rodney Hinton Jr. trial can now weigh reckless homicide in the death of Deputy Larry Henderson. Judge Jody Luebbers announced the decision Thursday in Hamilton County.
Hinton faces aggravated murder for driving into Henderson on May 2, 2025. He has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity.
Defense lawyer Clyde Bennett pushed for the lesser charge. He said Hinton’s driving looked consistent with a suicide attempt. Bennett noted Hinton’s mental illness history. He also said family members worried Hinton might hurt himself after viewing the body-camera video of his son’s shooting earlier that day.
Prosecutors fought the request. Kip Guinan said the state sees intentional murder, not suicide. He argued that any suicide attempt would still be a deliberate act.
Luebbers agreed suicide is purposeful but said the reckless question centers on how Henderson died. She pointed to mixed witness statements about the car’s path. Some saw Hinton aim at the deputy. One saw him head for a pole before the impact.
The ruling leaves the main charge intact. It simply gives jurors another choice during deliberations.
Psychologist Dr. Jaime Adkins took the stand for the state. She said Hinton’s severe mental disease did not erase his knowledge of right and wrong that day. Adkins linked his actions to acute grief rather than active psychosis. She testified Hinton later said he “sorta, kinda wanted to hit the officer.”
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