Case Explained:This article breaks down the legal background, charges, and implications of Case Explained: Slain deputy’s wife backs Ohio law to bar crowdfunding for suspects – Legal Perspective
Larry Henderson funeral: Sheriff says deputy walked ‘the path of justice’
Hamilton County Sheriff Charmaine McGuffey delivered remarks at the funeral for Deputy Larry Henderson, who was struck by a car and killed May 2 while directing traffic outside the University of Cincinnati’s commencement ceremony.
The wife of slain Hamilton County Deputy Larry Henderson recently pleaded with state lawmakers to support a law that could stop those accused of crimes from crowdfunding in connection with their case.
Henderson was killed after he was struck by a car while directing traffic at the University of Cincinnati. Prosecutors say the driver was Rodney Hinton Jr., a man whose son, Ryan Hinton, was fatally shot by a Cincinnati police officer. The officer was cleared by prosecutors.
In the wake of the incident, multiple crowdfunding campaigns were set up for Hinton. In response to complaints, GoFundMe removed a campaign, but another remains on the website GiveSendGo. That campaign has raised over $55,000. The Hinton family says on the page that Henderson’s death was unintentional, and that the money will, in part, be used to Hinton’s legal fees.
“No family should have to bury their loved one while simultaneously watching funds be raised in a way that appears to support or glorify the very act that took their life,” Lori Henderson told the Ohio House Technology and Innovation Committee on Feb. 24.
Ohio, like many other states, has a Son of Sam law that bars individuals from profiting from crimes with book and movie deals. Henderson, along with the sponsors of the bill, hope the new bill will expand this law crowdfunding websites.
“This issue is not about denying someone the right to legal representation. It is about ensuring that violent crime is not monetized, promoted, or indirectly rewarded through public fundraising campaigns,” Lori Henderson said. “When money is raised online in connection with a violent offense, victims’ families are forced to relive the trauma. It sends a message that the criminal act can generate sympathy, financial gain, or public support while the victim’s family continues to suffer in silence.”
Lori Henderson is also suing the Hinton family for the money they are raising.
The former president of Cincinnati’s police union Dan Hils spoke to lawmakers alongside Lori Henderson. He said that the comments on the fundraisers included violent, anti-police statements.
“One is for $23. ‘An eye for an eye,” they put in a comment,” Hils quoted. “I wish this happened every time they take one of ours. You did good, bro.”
Hils said these “evil incitements of violence against police cannot be tolerated and should be condemned and removed.”
If passed, House Bill 505 would require crowdfunding sites to be licensed and prohibit fundraising in support of any calls to violence or other unlawful purposes. It would also require that the fundraising groups issue refunds for canceled campaigns and keep records that would be available to the state.
One of the bills sponsors, Rep. Cindy Abrams, a Republican from Harrison, said Larry Henderson was a husband, a father of five, a grandfather, and most recently, a foster father to a 6-month-old and a 2-year-old.
She said the bill will close a loophole in the Son of Sam law and make it so an individual who is charged or convicted of a vicious and violent crime cannot profit off their actions on crowdfunding platforms.
The bill is at an early stage in the legislative process. The next step for the Ohio House will be holding an opponent hearing, a chance for those who oppose the bill to speak.
The bill would have to pass the house and the senate before heading to Gov. Mike DeWine’s desk.
The bill must pass before the end of the 2026 or legislators would have to reintroduce it in the next session of the Ohio General Assembly.
Larry Henderson’s death has also prompted lawmakers to introduce a bill that would take away the possibility of parole for anyone convicted of the aggravated murder of a police officer.