An American Idol alum who gushed about his love for his wife during his appearance on the show is now accused of her murder in Ohio.
Caleb Flynn, a 39-year-old former music pastor who appeared on the show’s twelfth series, was cuffed on Thursday evening amid an investigation into his wife’s death.
Authorities discovered 37-year-old teacher Ashley Flynn’s body at 2.30 am on Monday, after receiving reports of a burglary at the couple’s home in Tipp City, just north of Dayton.
Dispatch logs obtained by WHIO TV captured the moment officers were sent to the so-called reporting party’s address.
“Someone broke into the RP’s house, unknown if they are still there. Garage door is open,” the dispatcher said.
Ashley was pronounced dead at the scene, Tipp City Police Chief Greg Adkins told reporters. He also confirmed that there were signs of forced entry at the property and that Ashley had been shot twice.
Caleb Flynn was arrested three days later, on the same day that the couple’s church, the Christian Life Center, announced a celebration of life for Ashley.
The church’s pastor, Jordan Paul Hansen, confirmed on Facebook that the celebration of life service would be held at 4 pm on Sunday.
In the meantime, Police Chief Adkins said that the investigation into Ashley’s death is still ongoing.
“The family and community deserve a thorough, professional and compassionate investigation into this very sensitive matter,” Adkins told reporters on Thursday. “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.”
While appearing on American Idol, Flynn gave a gushing interview about his wife and even compared her to a former winner of the show.
“I absolutely love the Lord. I love my wife more than anything. She is very, very pretty…I love her,” he said. “My favourite past Idol contestant would probably be Carrie Underwood.
“She’s just absolutely incredible. Love her attitude and just her passion for what she does. And, I promise you, if my wife dyed her hair blonde, she would look just like her.”
Now, Flynn has been charged with one count of murder, two counts of felonious assault, and two counts of tampering with evidence, according to Police Chief Adkins.
The FBI has also been asked to join the investigation, since Police Chief Adkins said that his department does not handle major homicides often.
His late wife, Ashley, was a volleyball coach at Tippecanoe Middle School and also worked as a substitute teacher for Tipp City Schools, according to a tribute posted on the school district’s Facebook page.
“Ashley was a Tippecanoe Middle School volleyball coach, a dedicated substitute teacher, and a former Tipp City Schools teacher,” the tribute read. “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.
“Our thoughts are with all who are grieving during this difficult time.”
According to his LinkedIn profile, Caleb Flynn worked at Richard D. Smith & Sons Inc., a family-run supplier of worship seats and commercial flooring. He also worked as a staff member and a music pastor at the Christian Life Center.
The Christian Life Center’s current pastor, Jordan Paul Hanson, shared his own tribute to Ashley on Facebook. In the post, he asked readers to pray for Ashley’s two bereaved daughters.
“Please pray for her husband and two daughters and extended family left behind,” he wrote. “Please pray for ongoing investigation.
“Please pray for God’s very Presence to bring comfort to an unfathomable situation.”
The Independent has contacted the Tipp City Police Department for further comment.
Source: independent.co.uk