Chattanooga Judge Reduces Key Charge in Murder Trial

Closing arguments and jury deliberations expected Monday in alleged gang-related shootings case

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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A Hamilton County judge in Chattanooga reduced one charge against defendant Caleb Askins, ruling he can face conspiracy to commit aggravated assault instead of conspiracy to commit first-degree murder in a 2023 North Chattanooga drive-by killing. The case involves alleged gang-related shootings across Chattanooga, and closing arguments and jury deliberations are expected Monday.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complexities of prosecuting alleged gang-related violence, as judges must weigh the severity of charges against the available evidence. The reduction in charges could impact the potential sentencing for Askins if convicted.

The details

The judge ruled that Askins can face conspiracy to commit aggravated assault instead of the more serious charge of conspiracy to commit first-degree murder. This decision came on the fourth day of the trial, which involves alleged gang-related shootings across Chattanooga. Closing arguments and jury deliberations are expected to take place on Monday.

  • The alleged drive-by killing occurred in North Chattanooga in 2023.
  • The trial for Caleb Askins began on March 2, 2026.
  • The judge's ruling to reduce one of the charges against Askins happened on the fourth day of the trial.

The players

Caleb Askins

The defendant in the murder trial, who was originally charged with conspiracy to commit first-degree murder but had the charge reduced to conspiracy to commit aggravated assault.

Hamilton County Judge

The judge presiding over the murder trial who made the decision to reduce one of the charges against Askins.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Caleb Askins out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complexities of prosecuting alleged gang-related violence, as judges must weigh the severity of charges against the available evidence. The reduction in charges could impact the potential sentencing for Askins if convicted.