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

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

The 37-year-old woman was found dead on Monday after police received a report of a burglary and shooting at the family’s home. Her husband and two children were inside when officers arrived. During a video hearing from jail, Judge Samuel Huffman set bail at $2 million. “I just want to take care of my daughters. I’m not a risk,” Flynn told the judge.

In a recorded 911 call released by authorities, a distraught Flynn told the dispatcher that someone had broken into his home and killed his wife. Flynn said he was shot multiple times in the head and didn’t know if the intruder was still there.

“There’s blood everywhere, oh my god, oh my god, oh my god,” Flynn said during the interview.

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

Flynn’s attorney, Patrick Mulligan, said in a statement Saturday that he was “disappointed and concerned about the short timeline and the seeming rush to reach a verdict in this case.”

In cases where the government can’t develop leads and focus on a surviving spouse, “the likelihood of a wrongful conviction increases,” Mulligan said.

Tipp City Police Chief Greg Adkins defended the investigation in an email Saturday. Adkins said the case did not “move quickly” but instead followed a thorough process.

“Rather, it moved at the pace required by a thorough and deliberate investigative process,” Adkins said.

Ashley Flynn worked as a middle school volleyball coach and substitute teacher. Tipp City Schools honored him on the district’s Facebook page, noting his kindness and impact on students. “She was known for her beautiful smile, warmth, kindness, and the positive impact she had on so many people both in and out of the classroom and on the field,” the post said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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