Larry Henderson Sheriff Death and Obituary – The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office and the broader Cincinnati community are in mourning following the tragic death of Deputy Larry Henderson, who was killed in an alleged vehicular homicide on Friday, May 2, near the University of Cincinnati campus. Deputy Henderson, a 33-year veteran of the force, was performing a traffic control assignment for graduation ceremonies when he was fatally struck by a vehicle at the intersection of Martin Luther King Drive and Burnet Woods Drive.
Deputy Henderson began his career in 1991 and served in numerous critical roles throughout his tenure. His assignments included positions on the SWAT team, dive team, bomb squad, and as a task force officer with the FBI. He was also a distinguished academy instructor who mentored hundreds of deputies during his time with the department. His colleagues and leaders remember him not only as a dedicated public servant, but as an educator and leader who shaped the careers of many within the sheriff’s office.
Sheriff Charmaine McGuffey issued a heartfelt statement on Sunday, praising Henderson’s lasting impact on the department. “Larry developed an expertise and became an excellent trainer,” McGuffey said. “His ability to relate to and touch officers’ lives was extraordinary. We will continue to honor Larry’s life of service.” In a symbolic gesture of remembrance, Henderson’s badge number, #129, will be permanently retired.
The incident occurred around 1 p.m. on May 2 while Henderson was helping manage traffic during graduation events. He was struck by a vehicle driven by 38-year-old Rodney Hinton Jr. and later died from his injuries at UC Medical Center. Hinton was arrested and charged with aggravated murder. The case quickly grew more complex with the revelation that Hinton’s son, Ryan Hinton, had been shot and killed by Cincinnati police the previous day. Legal representatives for the Hinton family reported that Rodney Hinton had just viewed the body camera footage of his son’s death and was emotionally distraught at the time of the incident.
The overlapping tragedies have deeply affected both the law enforcement community and the wider public, prompting discussions about mental health, trauma, and accountability. As investigations continue into both the shooting and the vehicular homicide, Sheriff McGuffey has asked for patience and respect for the grieving families.
Tributes to Deputy Henderson have poured in from across Hamilton County, highlighting his mentorship, integrity, and unwavering service. He had officially retired in December 2024, a moment the department celebrated in a now-deleted social media post, though he remained active in special duty roles. His sudden death has cast a long shadow over the department that he helped shape.
Deputy Larry Henderson’s legacy will endure through the many deputies he trained and inspired. His dedication to public service, his leadership, and his compassion have left an indelible mark on the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office and the greater Cincinnati community.