Ex-wife indicted in Robert Caldwell murder conspiracy has trial delayed

The ex-wife of a Beavercreek man killed in front of their children had her trial delayed Tuesday in Dayton’s U.S. District Court.

Tawnney (Thomas) Caldwell, 34, had a scheduling conference set for Nov. 1, at which time her attorneys and federal prosecutors may have a trial calendar, including a new trial date.

RELATED: Candice Caldwell sues husband’s ex-wife, others for wrongful death

Tawnney Caldwell could face the death penalty if she is convicted of six counts related to the death of Robert “Bobby” Caldwell, who was allegedly shot by Tawnney Caldwell’s boyfriend, Sterling Roberts.

Five total defendants face charges in an alleged conspiracy that included a bitter custody battle over Tawnney and Bobby’s three sons who were present when their father was shot to death Aug. 15, 2017.

RELATED: Missing local boy found a year after seeing his father killed

Jacob Caldwell, the middle son, was missing for about a year before being located recently in a Miami Twp. residence. Jacob, now 15, is being kept in custody.

About a dozen people showed up in Judge Thomas Rose’s court on Tuesday to support Tawnney Caldwell, who was wearing orange Shelby County Jail clothing.

RELATED: Widow speaks on one-year anniversary of her husband being killed

Rose granted a defense motion to continue the trial because he agreed that it is a complex case with possible capital sanctions, multiple defendants and voluminous discovery.

Defense attorneys estimated it could take a year to 18 months to get to trial, in part because the U.S. Attorney General may have to certify the case as death-penalty eligible. Federal prosecutors did not oppose the motion to continue.

RELATED: No bond for ex-wife in Beavercreek man’s death; family seeks missing child

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