Ex-'American Idol' contestant Caleb Flynn convicted of murdering wife in Ohio
Caleb Flynn, a former Ohio music pastor who appeared on 'American Idol', was convicted of murdering his wife Ashley. He faces up to life without parole at sentencing Monday.
A former Ohio music pastor who once sang on "American Idol" was convicted Tuesday of murdering his wife, whose death he had tried to pass off as the work of a burglar.
A Miami County jury found Caleb Flynn guilty in the killing of Ashley Smith Flynn, prosecutors said. He is scheduled to be sentenced Monday and could receive up to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Prosecutors alleged that Flynn, who was having an affair at the time, shot his wife in February and then staged a home invasion to cover up the crime. He had claimed she was killed by an intruder.
Defense attorney L. Patrick Mulligan said he respected the jury's decision but was disappointed, and indicated an appeal would follow. "I fully anticipate that there will be a notice of appeal filed, and this decision will be tested thoroughly in the Court of Appeals," he said. Asked why Flynn did not take the stand, Mulligan noted his client had already spoken with police three times and said there was no reason to put him on for a fourth.
Miami County Prosecutor Paul Watkins thanked the jury for its work and said the focus should now shift to the victim. "It's time for the community, the media and everyone else to turn their focus on to Ashley," he said. "This world would be a much better place if all of us in it lived like Ashley."
Watkins read a statement from the Flynn family, which said the verdict brought "justice and accountability" but could not undo their loss. "No verdict can bring Ashley back, give the girls back their mother or erase the pain our family has endured," the statement said. He added that Ashley's life should not be defined by how it ended. "She'll be remembered for the way she lived," he said, describing her faith as something she lived out rather than merely spoke about.
Flynn appeared on "American Idol" in 2013, when he told viewers that his wife had encouraged him to pursue his dreams on the singing competition. Outside the courthouse, a person stood holding a sign reading "Justice for Ashley Flynn."