Former American Idol contestant found guilty of murdering wife to be with mistress

Former American Idol contestant and Ohio music pastor Caleb Flynn, 40, has been found guilty of murdering his wife, Ashley Flynn, in a case prosecutors said was motivated by his desire to be with his younger mistress.

Flynn was convicted on Tuesday after an eight-day trial over the February 16, 2026, shooting at the couple’s home in Tipp City, a suburb of Dayton, Ohio.

Prosecutors alleged that Flynn shot Ashley twice in the back of the head while she was sleeping and then attempted to make the killing appear to be the work of an intruder.

The jury also found him guilty of eight other charges, including aggravated murder and tampering with evidence. He faces life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Flynn had called 911 shortly after the shooting, claiming that an intruder had entered the home and shot his wife. He was arrested three days later.

During the trial, prosecutors presented police body-camera footage, physical evidence from the crime scene and digital records from Flynn’s iPhone and Apple Watch.

They also called his former mistress, Alleigha Botner, 24, as a witness. Botner had met Flynn while she was an intern at his church.

Prosecutors presented some of the more than 100,000 text messages exchanged between Flynn and Botner, including messages in which he allegedly discussed wanting his wife dead.

In one message sent in August 2025, Flynn allegedly wrote: “I was up until 4am last night crying, literally thinking of ways to kill her and not go to jail.”

In another, he allegedly wrote: “I just want her dead and gone.”

Botner told the court that she now hates Flynn because she believes he murdered his wife.

During closing arguments, Miami County Assistant Prosecutor Matthew Joseph argued that Flynn staged parts of the crime scene to suggest that an intruder had entered through the garage.

Joseph also pointed to inconsistencies in Flynn’s account of the night, saying his digital devices showed that he was awake and moving at a time when he claimed he had been asleep.

Prosecutors further argued that Ashley’s death would have allowed Flynn to maintain his job with her family’s business, benefit from her life insurance and preserve his position as a worship leader at his church.

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

Flynn became emotional and briefly appeared to sob as the verdict was read in court.

The judge revoked his bond and scheduled his sentencing for October 5. He faces a sentence of life imprisonment without parole.

Flynn’s defence team said it expects to file an appeal, arguing that there was insufficient evidence of prior calculation and design.

Outside the courthouse, Prosecuting Attorney Paul Watkins thanked the jury and called for greater focus on Ashley and her life.

In a statement read by Watkins, Ashley’s family said they would not allow the circumstances of her death to define her story, describing her as a devoted Christian and mother who loved her daughters and was committed to her faith.