Flynn was convicted on Tuesday of aggravated murder, felonious assault and tampering with evidence
Former American Idol contestant Caleb Flynn has been found guilty of murdering his wife, Ashley Flynn, in Ohio.
Flynn, who appeared on American Idol in 2013 and made it to Hollywood Week, was convicted on Tuesday of aggravated murder, felonious assault and tampering with evidence. The jury also found that he used a firearm during the offences.
Prosecutors alleged that Flynn shot Ashley twice in the back of the head while she was asleep at their home in Tipp City, Ohio, on February 16. He then allegedly staged the scene to make it appear that an intruder had broken into the house and called 911, claiming someone else was responsible for his wife’s death. The firearm used in the shooting has not been recovered.
The case also centred on Flynn’s affair with Alleigha Botner. During the trial, Botner testified about messages Flynn had sent her in which he allegedly discussed wanting Ashley dead. Prosecutors also presented a message Flynn allegedly sent Botner the night before the killing that read, “I choose you. I’m free. Actions will come tomorrow.”
Flynn’s defence acknowledged the affair but argued that his infidelity did not prove that he killed his wife. His lawyers maintained that Flynn was elsewhere in the house when Ashley was shot and argued that investigators had not produced direct evidence showing that he fired the weapon.
Flynn did not testify during the trial. Jurors deliberated for approximately two hours before returning guilty verdicts. He became emotional as the verdicts were read in court.
Flynn had previously spoken warmly about Ashley during his American Idol appearance, describing her as someone who encouraged him to pursue his musical ambitions. At the time, he said he loved his wife “more than anything”.
Ashley was a schoolteacher, volleyball coach, mother of two daughters and church volunteer. Her family said in a statement following the verdict that they were grateful to those who helped bring the case to this point.
Flynn is scheduled to be sentenced on October 5 and faces life in prison without the possibility of parole. His defence team has indicated that it plans to appeal the verdict.
