Former “American Idol” contestant Caleb Flynn has been found guilty of murdering his wife, Ashley Flynn, following a two-week trial in Ohio. A Miami County jury returned the verdict on Sept. 29, finding Flynn guilty of aggravated murder, murder with a firearm specification, felonious assault and tampering with evidence.
Flynn, 40, was accused of killing Ashley, 37, inside their Tipp City, Ohio, home on Feb. 16. He had called 911 and reported that an intruder had entered the house and shot his wife. Prosecutors argued that the crime scene had been staged to make the death appear to be the result of a home invasion.
Ashley Flynn was a schoolteacher and volleyball coach and the mother of two children. Prosecutors said she was shot twice in the back of the head while lying in bed. The firearm used in the killing was never recovered, although investigators determined that the two 9mm shell casings found at the scene had been fired from the same gun.
A central part of the prosecution’s case involved thousands of messages between Flynn and Alleigha Botner, a woman with whom he had an affair. Prosecutors presented messages in which Flynn repeatedly expressed hostility toward his wife and discussed wanting her dead or gone. Botner testified during the trial about their relationship and the messages they exchanged.
Flynn’s defense acknowledged his affair but argued that the relationship did not prove he killed his wife. His attorneys also highlighted the fact that the murder weapon had not been recovered and challenged aspects of the digital and forensic evidence presented by prosecutors. Flynn had pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Flynn became known to television audiences after appearing on “American Idol” during the show’s 12th season in 2013. He presented himself on the program as a music pastor and was eliminated during the Hollywood rounds.
Following the verdict, the judge revoked Flynn’s bond and set his sentencing for Oct. 5. He faces a possible sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole. His attorney has indicated that an appeal is planned, with the defense continuing to dispute the prosecution’s case.
