Former ‘American Idol’ Contestant Caleb Flynn Found Guilty of Murdering Wife

A former American Idol contestant from Ohio has been found guilty of murdering his wife and trying to make her death look like the result of a home invasion.

A Miami County jury convicted 40-year-old Caleb Flynn on Tuesday in the Feb. 16 death of his wife, Ashley Flynn, at the couple’s home in Tipp City. Flynn was found guilty of one count of aggravated murder, three counts of murder, two counts of felonious assault and three counts of tampering with evidence.

Ashley Flynn, 37, was a teacher and volleyball coach. Prosecutors said she was shot twice in the head while the couple’s two daughters were also in the home. Flynn later called 911 and claimed an intruder had killed his wife. Prosecutors argued that he staged the scene to make it appear as though a burglary had taken place.

A major part of the trial centered on Flynn’s nearly two-year affair with Alleigha Botner, who testified against him. Jurors heard about thousands of messages exchanged between the two, including messages prosecutors said showed Flynn talking about wanting his wife dead. Hours before Ashley was killed, prosecutors said Flynn sent Botner a message saying, “I choose you. I’m free,” and indicated that actions would follow the next day.

Investigators also presented digital evidence they said showed Flynn moving around at a time when he claimed he had been asleep. The murder weapon was never recovered. Flynn’s defense argued the state’s case was circumstantial and that there was no direct evidence proving Flynn was the person who fired the shots.

Flynn appeared on Season 12 of American Idol in 2013 and later worked as a music and worship pastor. During his time on the show, he spoke publicly about Ashley’s support of his music career.

The jury returned its verdict after nearly three hours of deliberations. Flynn is scheduled to be sentenced Oct. 5 and faces the possibility of life in prison without parole. His attorney has indicated an appeal is planned.