Case goes to jury in trial of former ‘American Idol’ singer charged in wife’s killing

A former American Idol contestant, Caleb Flynn, went on trial for allegedly killing his wife, Ashley Flynn, during an affair. Flynn, 40, was charged with aggravated murder, assault, and tampering with evidence. He pleaded not guilty and claimed a burglar killed his wife in a February shooting. Flynn faced up to life in prison if convicted of the most serious charges.

Prosecutors argued that Flynn attempted to deceive investigators by staging a break-in at their home, where Flynn and their two daughters were present when officers arrived. Assistant Miami County prosecutor Matthew Joseph suggested Flynn desired to maintain his mistress while keeping his family intact. During the trial, a woman who had an affair with Flynn testified that he expressed hatred towards his wife and contemplated killing her.

Flynn's defense attorney contended that Flynn's infidelity did not equate to murder and emphasized that the case was not about whether he was a good husband. Text messages between Flynn and his lover revealed that he had contemplated killing his wife, stating, "I was up until 4 a.m. last night crying, literally trying to think of ways to kill her and not go to jail."