A former contestant on the TV singing competition “American Idol” is facing serious criminal charges in Ohio after authorities accused him of killing his wife and attempting to stage the scene to look like a burglary.
Caleb Flynn, 39, was taken into custody by police in Tipp City on Feb. 19 and booked into the Miami County Jail, according to court records. He has been charged with murder, felonious assault and tampering with evidence. Flynn entered a not guilty plea during a court appearance Friday, conducted by video from the jail.
During the hearing, Flynn told Judge Samuel Huffman that he was not a threat and said he wanted to care for his daughters. The judge set bond at $2 million.
Flynn previously appeared on season 12 of “American Idol” in 2013. In a past interview posted to the show’s YouTube channel, he described himself as a music pastor and spoke warmly about his faith and his wife.
Police say Ashley Flynn, 37, was found dead Monday inside the couple’s Tipp City home. Officers responded after receiving a report of a burglary and shooting. Authorities said Flynn and the couple’s two children were inside the house when first responders arrived.
A 911 call released by investigators captures Caleb Flynn telling a dispatcher that an intruder had broken into the home and shot his wife multiple times. In the recording, he can be heard saying there was blood throughout the residence and expressing panic as he described the scene.
Investigators later charged Flynn, alleging that the crime scene had been manipulated in an effort to mislead authorities into believing the shooting was the result of a break-in.
Flynn’s attorney, Patrick Mulligan, said in a statement that the defense team is concerned about what he described as a rapid progression toward charges. Mulligan suggested that in cases involving the death of a spouse, investigators can sometimes focus too quickly on the surviving partner, raising the risk of a wrongful conviction.
Tipp City Police Chief Greg Adkins rejected the idea that the case was rushed. In a statement, he said the investigation moved forward carefully and deliberately, guided by evidence collected during the inquiry.
Ashley Flynn was a middle school volleyball coach and former teacher. Tipp City Schools said she also worked as a substitute teacher and was widely appreciated by students and staff. In a statement shared publicly, the district described her as kind, warm and known for her bright smile and positive influence both in the classroom and on the court.
Ashley Flynn’s family released a statement expressing deep grief over her death. They said they believe law enforcement acted appropriately in making the arrest after careful consideration and consultation with both local and federal authorities.
The case remains under investigation as it moves through the court system. Flynn is being held on bond, and no trial date has yet been announced.
