Caleb Flynn Waives Right to New Judge in Conflict of Interest Hearing

State and defense agree for judge to remain on murder trial case

Apr. 7, 2026 at 1:06am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single bullet casing against a pitch-black background, capturing the dramatic texture and material details under harsh, direct lighting to create a stark, investigative aesthetic.A stark, gritty close-up of physical evidence from the Caleb Flynn murder case exposes the investigative details behind the high-profile trial.Tipp City Today

Caleb Flynn, charged with the murder of his wife Ashley in their Tipp City, Ohio home, appeared in court for a conflict of interest hearing. After a discussion between the judge, state attorneys, and Flynn's defense, both parties agreed to waive their right to request a new judge to preside over the case, allowing Judge Jeannine Pratt to remain on the trial scheduled to begin on April 28th.

Why it matters

The potential conflict of interest stemmed from a staff attorney at the Miami County Prosecutor's Office who previously worked on the case but was no longer involved. The judge's disclosure and the agreement by both sides to allow her to continue overseeing the high-profile murder trial avoids further delays and maintains judicial continuity.

The details

During the investigation, Judge Pratt noted that a staff attorney who now works for the Miami County Common Pleas Court was previously employed by the Miami County Prosecutor's Office. However, by the time Flynn was indicted on February 20th, the staff attorney was no longer working for the prosecutor's office and had no involvement in the investigation, charging decision, or grand jury proceedings.

  • On February 16th, Caleb Flynn allegedly murdered his wife Ashley in their Tipp City home.
  • On February 20th, Caleb Flynn was indicted for the murder of his wife.
  • On April 7th, Caleb Flynn appeared in court for a conflict of interest hearing.
  • The murder trial is scheduled to begin on April 28th.

The players

Caleb Flynn

A 39-year-old man charged with the murder of his wife Ashley in their Tipp City, Ohio home.

Ashley Flynn

Caleb Flynn's wife who was allegedly murdered in their Tipp City home on February 16th.

Judge Jeannine Pratt

The judge presiding over the Caleb Flynn murder trial, who disclosed a potential conflict of interest but ultimately had both the state and defense waive their right to request a new judge.

Miami County Prosecutor's Office

The office that charged Caleb Flynn with the murder of his wife Ashley.

Miami County Common Pleas Court

The court overseeing the Caleb Flynn murder trial.

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What they’re saying

“You do not object or challenge or otherwise claim that a conflict or appearance of impropriety exists that would require further hearing?”

— Judge Jeannine Pratt, Presiding Judge

“No, your honor”

— Caleb Flynn, Defendant

“Do you now, Mr. Flynn, knowingly, intelligently, and voluntarily waive any objection to my continuing involvement?”

— Judge Jeannine Pratt, Presiding Judge

“Yes, your honor”

— Caleb Flynn, Defendant

What’s next

On April 10th, Caleb Flynn will be back in court for a motion for public dissemination of evidence.

The takeaway

The agreement by both the state and defense to allow Judge Pratt to continue presiding over the high-profile Caleb Flynn murder trial avoids further delays and maintains judicial continuity, despite the initial disclosure of a potential conflict of interest.