Caleb Flynn's Preliminary Hearing Postponed

What's next in the case against the man accused of killing his wife Ashley?

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The preliminary hearing for Caleb Flynn, who is accused of murdering his wife Ashley in their Tipp City, Ohio home, has been postponed from its original date of February 26 to March 26. Legal experts explain the next steps in the judicial process, including the burden of proof required at the preliminary hearing, the potential for a grand jury indictment, and the options for a jury or bench trial.

Why it matters

This case has garnered significant media attention in the Dayton area, which can add pressure on both the prosecution and defense. The outcome will have major implications for Caleb Flynn, as well as provide closure and justice for Ashley Flynn's family and the local community.

The details

Caleb Flynn's attorney filed a "Waiver of Time" to postpone the preliminary hearing, originally scheduled for February 26, to March 26. At the preliminary hearing, the prosecution must present enough evidence to show probable cause that the alleged crimes occurred and that Caleb Flynn committed them. If the judge is convinced of probable cause, the case will then go to a grand jury at the common pleas level to decide whether to indict Caleb. If indicted, the case would then proceed to trial, where the defendant can choose whether to have a judge or jury decide the case. Before the trial, there would be pre-trial hearings for motions like discovery. During jury selection, both sides can strike potential jurors for cause, such as bias. Ultimately, the prosecution would have to prove Caleb's guilt "beyond a reasonable doubt" for a conviction.

  • The preliminary hearing was originally scheduled for February 26, 2026.
  • Caleb Flynn's attorney filed a "Waiver of Time" on February 25, 2026 to postpone the preliminary hearing to March 26, 2026.

The players

Caleb Flynn

The man accused of killing his wife, Ashley Flynn, in their Tipp City, Ohio home.

Ashley Flynn

Caleb Flynn's wife, who was murdered in their Tipp City home.

Thomas Hagel

A professor of law emeritus at the University of Dayton School of Law, who provided legal analysis on the judicial process in this case.

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What they’re saying

“The prosecution has the burden of proving that at that stage, and if the judge is convinced that probable cause is there, in other words, enough evidence is there, then of course, he will bind the defendant over to the court of common pleas.”

— Thomas Hagel, Professor of Law Emeritus (Dayton 24/7 Now)

“Most defense lawyers would agree that they would much rather go before a jury that they feel that they have a better chance of getting an acquittal.”

— Thomas Hagel, Professor of Law Emeritus (Dayton 24/7 Now)

“The stakes are so high. It puts pressure on the prosecution, but for example, I still have a box of the hate mail I got for representing [a] defendant.”

— Thomas Hagel, Professor of Law Emeritus (Dayton 24/7 Now)

What’s next

If the case proceeds to the common pleas court, a grand jury will decide whether to indict Caleb Flynn. If indicted, the case would then go to trial, where Caleb can choose to have a judge or jury decide the case.

The takeaway

This high-profile murder case has significant legal implications, as Caleb Flynn's defense team tries to avoid an indictment and eventual conviction, while the prosecution must prove his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The outcome will have a major impact on the Flynn family and the local community in Tipp City, Ohio.