'His Being Unfaithful Doesn't Equal Murder': Caleb Flynn's Lawyer Plans Appeal After Conviction

Caleb Flynn's lawyer is preparing an appeal after the former Ohio pastor was convicted of aggravated murder over the shooting of his wife Ashley, as a jury found him guilty on all counts following less than three hours of deliberation.

Flynn, 40, was convicted on 29 September in Miami County, Ohio, after jurors rejected his claim that an intruder shot Ashley at the couple's home in Tipp City. His defence attorney, Patrick Mulligan, argued that the prosecution's case was circumstantial and showed only that Flynn had been unfaithful.

Mulligan later said he expected a notice of appeal to be filed, citing what he called a 'lack of evidence on prior calculation and design'.

Ashley Flynn, 37, was fatally shot at the couple's home on 16 February. Flynn called 911 and reported that an intruder had shot his wife, but he was arrested three days later. Prosecutors argued that he killed Ashley and altered the scene to make it appear that an intruder had broken into the property.

'His being unfaithful doesn't equal murder,' Mulligan told jurors during closing arguments. Flynn is scheduled to be sentenced at 3 p.m. ET on Monday and could receive life in prison without parole.

Caleb Flynn Conviction Followed Nearly Two-and-a-Half-Hour Deliberation

The Miami County jury deliberated for nearly two and a half hours before returning guilty verdicts on all charges.

The verdict covered nine counts, including aggravated murder, murder, felonious assault and tampering with evidence. Firearm specifications attached to seven of the counts could add time to Flynn's sentence.

Prosecutors said Flynn shot Ashley twice in the back of the head while she was in bed. They alleged that he then staged the scene to resemble a break-in through the garage.

Investigators testified that they found no evidence of forced entry. Prosecutors also relied on physical evidence, Flynn's 911 call, digital records and communications between Flynn and his mistress to support their case. The gun used in the killing was never found.

Miami County Assistant Prosecutor Matthew Joseph argued during closing statements that the evidence contradicted Flynn's account. 'The evidence does not tell the story of an intruder,' Joseph said.

Caleb Flynn's Lawyer Challenges Evidence Behind Conviction

Mulligan maintained that the prosecution had built a circumstantial case around Flynn's affair rather than proving that he killed his wife. 'Connecting a couple of meaningless dots doesn't solve the case,' Mulligan told jurors.

Flynn did not testify during the trial, and the defence called no witnesses. Video shown to jurors showed Flynn denying that he killed Ashley during an interview with police after the shooting.

The prosecution also presented evidence about Flynn's relationship with Alleigha Botner, who testified that they had been having an affair for more than a year.

Botner read from some of the more than 100,000 messages the pair exchanged. Among them was a message Flynn sent in May 2025.

'If I could literally kill her and not go to hell, I would do it in a heartbeat,' Flynn wrote, according to Botner's testimony.

Prosecutors argued that Flynn wanted to end his marriage while continuing his relationship with Botner. They also said he could retain his job with Ashley's family business, benefit from her life insurance and preserve his position as a working worship leader.

Caleb Flynn Appeal Expected After Sentencing

After the verdict, Mulligan told reporters that he expected a notice of appeal to be filed. Asked what issues could be raised on appeal, he replied: 'There's a lack of evidence on prior calculation and design.'

Flynn faces a sentence of 20 years to life, with life without parole also possible. He does not face the death penalty because prosecutors did not charge him with qualifying specifications under Ohio law.

The judge revoked Flynn's $2 million (£1,510,952) bond after the verdict and he remained in the Miami County jail ahead of sentencing.

Prosecuting Attorney Paul Watkins thanked jurors 'for their dedication to justice in this case' following the conviction. Ashley's family also issued a statement through Watkins saying they 'refuse to let the evil that ended Ashley's life have the final word in her story'.

The family described Ashley as a woman devoted to her faith, her family and her children. 'Most of all, she loved being a mom,' the statement said. 'She prayed over her girls, taught them to love God, and showed them what it looked like to live with faith, kindness, joy, and grace.'

Flynn's sentencing will determine the prison term imposed following his conviction. His defence, meanwhile, has indicated that the verdict will be challenged, with Mulligan identifying the evidence surrounding prior calculation and design as a potential appellate issue.

The sentencing hearing is the next immediate step in the case. Any appeal would follow through the courts after Flynn's punishment is imposed.