Former Ohio music pastor and 2013 “American Idol” contestant Caleb Flynn, 40, was convicted Tuesday of murdering his wife, Ashley Flynn, a 37-year-old schoolteacher and volleyball coach, according to the Associated Press (AP). Jurors also found him guilty of felonious assault and tampering with evidence.
Prosecutors alleged a staged break-in
AP reports that prosecutors told jurors Flynn was having an affair and staged a home invasion in February after shooting his wife at their home in Tipp City, a suburb north of Dayton. Flynn told authorities a burglar killed her, AP reported.
Assistant Miami County prosecutor Matthew Joseph argued in closing that Flynn “wanted to keep his mistress and have his daughters all to himself,” according to AP. Prosecutors said Flynn wanted out of the marriage and did not want to lose his daughters, a high-paying job at his wife’s family business, or his church position, AP reported.
Affair witness read texts in court
During the trial, Alleigha Botner testified she met Flynn in 2022 while she was a 20-year-old intern at his church and had an affair with him for more than a year, AP reported. Botner read text messages with Flynn, including one she said he sent about six months before the killing: “I was up until 4 a.m. last night crying, literally trying to think of ways to kill her and not go to jail,” according to her testimony reported by AP.
Defense: no gun found, infidelity isn’t proof
Defense attorney Patrick Mulligan told jurors investigators never found a gun or evidence Flynn fired one that day, AP reported. “His being unfaithful doesn’t equal murder,” Mulligan said, adding that Flynn’s texts to his lover were meant to make her feel good, according to AP.
In court and what’s next
AP reported Flynn closed his eyes, shook his head, and fought to maintain composure as the judge read the verdicts, then began sobbing as the jury was dismissed. Sentencing is set for Monday, and AP reports he could face up to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Past “American Idol” appearance
AP notes Flynn appeared on “American Idol” in 2013, telling viewers his wife had encouraged him to audition. He performed before judges Mariah Carey, Randy Jackson, and Nicki Minaj but did not advance to Hollywood.
