CINCINNATI — A man accused of running down and killing a Hamilton County sheriff’s deputy was back in court Wednesday, this time for a critical hearing that could determine whether he faces the death penalty.
What You Need To Know
Rodney Hinton Jr., the man accused of killing a deputy after police shot and killed his son, was in court for a serious mental health hearing Wednesday
A psychologist testified that he had bipolar but there was some debate on whether he was in psychosis at the time of the crime
Two other psychologists are expected to take the stand in another hearing January 5th
The hearing called a SMI hearing, or serious mental health hearing, is where doctor’s who evaluated Rodney Hinton Jr.’s mental health testify. His mental health status will determine whether he’s eligible for the death penalty.
Three doctors did a mental health evaluation, but only one showed up to testify in court Wednesday.
Hinton is accused of running down and killing Hamilton County sheriff’s deputy Larry Henderson, who was directing traffic back in May.
Hours before the crash, Hinton watched body came video of Cincinnati police who shot and killed Hinton’s son.
The psychologist who did testify, Dr. Jennifer O’Donnell, told the court that Hinton does have bipolar disorder and was treated for the illness two years ago.
But when the defense questioned her, there was debate over whether Hinton was in a state of psychosis at the time of the crash.
“My question is this doctor, isn’t it true that he had acute symptoms of bipolar disorder at the time he committed the crime?” asked Hinton’s criminal defense attorney Clyde Bennett.
“Depression is a symptom of bipolar disorder, and I believe he was significantly depressed at the time,” said O’Donnell.
“But for having bipolar disorder, there’s nothing to indicate that he would have did this, correct?” said Bennett.
“I can’t say that,” said O’Donnell.
The doctor also went on to say that she believe’s Hinton’s judgment was hindered due to his mental illness.
There are still two other doctors that will take the stand. That hearing is scheduled for Jan. 5.