Judge Denies Change of Venue Motion as Miami County Trial Remains Set for September

A judge has rejected a defense request to move an upcoming trial out of Miami County, ruling that jury selection should initially proceed in the county despite extensive media coverage and online discussion surrounding the case.

On August 25, 2026, Judge Jeannine Pratt of the Miami County Common Pleas Court denied a motion filed by defense attorney Caleb Flynn seeking a change of venue.

The defense argued that months of media attention and online discussion had made it difficult to find an impartial jury in Miami County.

Judge Pratt said the court would first attempt to select a jury locally through the voir dire process, during which prospective jurors are questioned about potential biases and whether they can fairly consider the evidence.

The judge indicated that if an impartial jury cannot be seated in Miami County, the defense’s request for a change of venue could be reconsidered.

The trial is currently scheduled to begin on September 17, 2026, and is expected to last approximately two weeks.

The court also declined to grant the prosecution’s request to sequester the jury at this stage.

For now, the case will continue toward jury selection in Miami County, with the possibility of revisiting the venue issue if the court determines that a fair and impartial jury cannot be found.

Source: WKBN.com