Former American Idol contestant and pastor found guilty of murdering wife

Caleb Flynn, a former American Idol contestant and pastor, has been found guilty of murdering his wife Ashley Flynn, 37, prosecutors announced. The crime occurred on February 16th, 2025, when Flynn allegedly shot Ashley twice in the back of the head while she was asleep in bed at their Ohio home. Flynn then attempted to falsely claim that burglars had carried out the murder.

During the trial, Flynn was also found guilty of eight other charges, including aggravated murder and tampering with evidence. If convicted, Flynn faces a life sentence in prison without the possibility of parole. The jury deliberated for less than three hours before reaching their verdict.

Throughout the trial, prosecutors presented evidence such as police body camera footage, activity on Flynn's iPhone and Apple Watch, and testimony from 50 witnesses, including Flynn's former mistress, Alleigha Botner. The prosecution also played a song that Flynn had allegedly written for Botner. In messages to Botner, Flynn expressed his hatred for Ashley and his desire for her death.

The defense did not call any witnesses. Flynn's lawyer argued that there was insufficient concrete evidence and that the alleged infidelity issues between Flynn and Botner did not equate to murder. Notably, Flynn's gun was never found and remains missing from the scene, and he has been charged with tampering with evidence due to this.