Former ‘American Idol’ contestant charged with killing wife, staging crime scene

Rebecca French

3 months ago

Former “American Idol” contestant Caleb Flynn, 39, pleaded not guilty Friday to charges of murder, assault and tampering with evidence. Authorities in Tipp, Ohio, accused Flynn of killing his wife, Ashley Flynn, and fabricating the crime scene to mislead investigators.

The 37-year-old woman was found dead Monday after police responded to reports of a break-in and shooting at her home. When police arrived, her husband and two children were inside. During a video arraignment from the jail, Judge Samuel Huffman set bail at $2 million. “I’m just trying to take care of my girls. I don’t pose a risk,” Flynn told the judge.

In a recording of a 911 call released by authorities, a frantic Flynn told dispatchers that someone had broken into his home and killed his wife. Flynn said she was shot multiple times in the head and he didn’t know if the intruder was still present.

“There was blood everywhere, oh my God, oh my God, oh my God,” Flynn said during the call.

Following Flynn’s arrest Thursday, his legal team criticized the timeline of the police investigation.

Flynn’s attorney, Patrick Mulligan, said in a statement on Saturday that he was “disappointed and concerned by the short time frame of this case and the seemingly rushed verdict.”

Mulligan said when the government is unable to develop leads and focus on the surviving spouse, “the likelihood of a wrongful conviction increases.”

Tipp City Police Chief Greg Adkins defended the investigation in an email sent Saturday. Adkins said the case “did not move very quickly” and that a thorough process was followed.

“Rather, the pace at which it progresses is dictated by a thorough and thoughtful investigative process,” Adkins said.

Ashley Flynn has served as a middle school volleyball coach and substitute teacher. Tippe City Schools paid tribute to her on the district’s Facebook page, noting her kindness and impact on students. “She was known for her beautiful smile, warmth, kindness and positive influence in and out of the classroom and on the field,” the post read.