CINCINNATI — There’s now a trial set for the driver accused of intentionally hitting and killing a sheriff’s deputy. A jury is expected to hear Rodney Hinton Jr.’s case next year.

What You Need To Know

  • The judge set Hinton Jr's trail date for Jan. 12, 2026 when a jury will hear the case 

  • Attorneys on both sides say they need these next eight months to go through all of the evidences and security videos 

  • Hinton Jr.'s defense attorney says he's preparing to argue an insanity defense at trial 

At the Hamilton County Courthouse, Rodney Hinton Jr., the driver accused of killing a sheriff's deputy, went in front of a judge on Thursday. This time, the judge set a date, for eight months from now, for when he can argue his case for a jury.

In an orange jumpsuit surrounded security officers, Hinton Jr. came into the courtroom telling the judge jail was "fair." Now, he’ll be spending even more time there waiting for his trial.

The judge set the trail date for Jan. 12, 206. His attorney told Spectrum News 1 before he’d be ready with an insanity defense.

“I think the issue is mindset, his mental status at the time of the offense," said Clyde Bennett, Hinton Jr.'s defense attorney. 

Attorneys on both sides told the judge Thursday they need time to go through the evidence from May 2. That's the day prosecutors claim Hinton Jr. purposely hit and killed Larry Henderson, a Hamilton County sheriff's deputy, who was directing traffic.

Hours before the crash, Hinton Jr. watched body camera video of Cincinnati police shooting and killing his 18-year-old son.

“I really just been following the case because I am a mother of seven," said Hinton family friend and supporter Ashley Townsend. 

Townsend sat alongside the Hinton family in court.

"It has been tough, but as a support, we're doing our best to support the family," said Townsend. 

Community activists also driving in hours away from Chicago for the hearing to stand against the shooting of Hinton Jr.’s son.

“That alone strikes the hearts and minds of the people, in addition to the fact that we're concerned about his well-being," said Fred Hampton, activist and Hinton family supporter.

But right across the aisle were a couple officers, showing support for deputy Henderson, and it was deputies who took Hinton Jr. back to jail where he’ll stay until that January trial.

The judge also said she plans to hold hearings once a month leading up to the January trial to make sure everything is still on track.

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