Defense seeks new trial in deputy murder case

Rodney Hinton Jr. filed a motion on Monday asking a judge to overturn his murder conviction. His lawyer, Clyde Bennett, claims the jury reached its verdict using evidence that Ohio law bars from the deliberation room.

Hinton was found guilty in May of killing former Hamilton County sheriff’s deputy Larry Henderson with his car. The verdict also included counts for reckless homicide and felonious assault. Bennett stated that specific jurors improperly weighed statements Hinton made to his psychologist while deciding if he was guilty.

Bennett said those conversations are protected under state law and should not have influenced the jury’s decision. The attorney released the details in a written statement on Monday. Hinton’s defense team previously argued that he suffered a psychotic break after watching body-camera video of police killing his son the day before the accident.

During the trial, the court-appointed psychologist testified against that defense. The expert told the court that Hinton admitted to aiming his vehicle at Deputy Henderson. Hinton is currently serving the sentence attached to the May conviction.

The motion forces the judge to review the jury’s process before the case is sent to the next stage of the legal system. The judge has not yet set a date to rule on the request.