Former American Idol Contestant Arrested for Killing Wife and 'Staging' Evidence

Former American Idol contestant Caleb Flynn is being charged with murder after his wife was found dead on 16 February inside their Ohio residence.

Flynn, 39, was arrested on 19 February as a suspect in the shooting and killing of his wife Ashley, 37. Flynn has pleaded not guilty to charges of murder, two counts of felonious assault, and tampering with evidence in his video-arraignment at Miami County Jail on 20 February.

At around 2:30am on February 16, Caleb Flynn called 911 to report a shooting and burglary inside their Tipp City home. He also said that his wife was bleeding and unresponsive at the time. Flynn's two daughters, who were asleep, were unharmed.

Per AP News, Flynn told the 911 dispatcher that someone had broken into their house and killed his wife, who was later deemed to have been shot with a 9mm pistol. 'There's blood everywhere, oh my God, oh my God, oh my God,' he said during the call.

Police Suspect 'Staged' Crime Evidence

Tipp City Police confirmed the force entry but noted that the evidence appeared 'staged.' Flynn's attorney, Patrick Mulligan, said the quick turnaround is a sign that the police are rushing to resolve the investigation.

'When the government runs out of leads or can't develop leads and looks at a surviving spouse in cases such as these, the chance of a wrongful conviction increases,' Mulligan said in a statement. Flynn was arrested and charged within a week of the incident.

Tipp City Police Chief Greg Adkins disputed the allegation. 'The family and community deserve a thorough, professional and compassionate investigation into this very sensitive matter,' Adkins told the press. 'As a result of the investigation, probable cause existed to charge Caleb Flynn with the murder of his wife. Due to the ongoing nature of this case, specific investigative details will not be released at this time.'

'I just want to take care of my daughters. I'm not a risk,' Flynn said during his arraignment. Judge Samuel Huffmen set Flynn's bond at £1.48 million ($2 million). Mulligan told the Dayton Daily News that the high bond 'denies [Flynn] the opportunity to be at the funeral for his wife, which is an unspeakable tragedy.'

Suspect's Haunting Video Resurfaces After Arrest

A video of Flynn's 2013 American Idol audition has resurfaced after the arrest. In his 'Road To Hollywood' interview, Flynn said his wife encouraged his decision. 'I absolutely love the Lord, and I love my wife more than anything,' he said in the clip. 'She is very, very pretty. I love her. I'm just a normal person who absolutely loves to sing more than anything in the world.'

Flynn was a promising contender on American Idol Season 12, earning a golden ticket to Hollywood after he impressed judges in his Chicago audition. He said a prior failure to make the cut made the second chance 'all the more sweeter.' He was eliminated during the Hollywood 'Hell' Week competitions.

Flynn's LinkedIn profile page, which includes a photo of his American Idol audition, indicates that he is currently the VP of Sales of an interiors supplier for worship spaces. He previously served Tipp City Christian Life Centre as a staff member and music pastor.

Community Mourns Devoted Teacher

In a Facebook post by the Tipp City Schools on Facebook, they noted how Ashley was a Tippecanoe Middle School volleyball coach, a dedicated substitute teacher, and a former Tipp City Schools teacher.

'She was known for her beautiful smile, warmth, kindness, and the positive impact she had on so many—both in and out of the classroom and on the court,' the post mentioned.

Comments on the post also showed an outpour of support to Ashley, with one user mentioning, 'Praying for her kids, her students, her friends and family, and everyone's life that she touched. She is definitely a sweet, beautiful, and kind soul that will be greatly missed in our community.'