TIPP CITY, OH - On Friday, February 20, a former "American Idol" contestant pleaded not guilty to charges of murder, assault, and tampering with evidence after authorities alleged that he killed his wife and staged the crime scene to mislead investigators.
The alleged suspect, 39-year-old Caleb Flynn, killed his wife, 37-year-old Ashley Flynn. She was found dead on Monday after police received a report of a burglary and shooting at the family's home, WSB-TV reported. Upon arriving at the home, her husband, Caleb Flynn, and their two children were inside.
During a video arraignment from jail, Judge Samuel Huffman set bond 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 frantic Flynn told a dispatcher that someone had broken into his home and killed his wife. Flynn said she had been shot multiple times in the head and that he did not know if the intruder was still present. "There's blood everywhere, oh my God, oh my God, oh my God," Flynn said during the call.
Following Flynn's arrest on Thursday, his legal team criticized the police investigation's timeline. Patrick Mulligan, attorney for Flynn, said in a statement that he was "disappointed and concerned about the short timeline and seeming rush to judgment in this case."
Mulligan said that when the government cannot develop leads and focuses on a surviving spouse, "the chance of wrongful conviction increases."
Tipp City Police Chief Greg Adkins defended the investigation. He said the case has "not moved fast" but instead followed a thorough process. "Rather, it has progressed at a pace dictated by a thorough and deliberate investigative process," Adkins said.
Ashley Flynn worked as a middle school volleyball coach and substitute teacher. The school noted her kindness and impact on students. "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 school said in a Facebook post.
Caleb Flynn appeared in season 12 of "American Idol," CBS News reported. In an interview posted to the show's YouTube channel in 2012, he described himself as a music pastor. "The thing that makes me unique ... I absolutely love the Lord. I love my wife more than anything. She is very, very, very pretty," he said. "I'm just a normal person who absolutely loves to sing more than anything in the world."
In a statement, Ashley Flynn's family said they believe law enforcement officials took "proper steps" in the arrest of Caleb Flynn.
"Our hearts are shattered. Ashley brought endless light to our world, and we are trying to navigate this immense loss," the family said in the statement. "Our family believes this arrest was made carefully and not without serious consideration. After speaking with both local police and federal authorities, we trust the proper steps were taken, and the process is being handled appropriately."
The alleged suspect, 39-year-old Caleb Flynn, killed his wife, 37-year-old Ashley Flynn. She was found dead on Monday after police received a report of a burglary and shooting at the family's home, WSB-TV reported. Upon arriving at the home, her husband, Caleb Flynn, and their two children were inside.
During a video arraignment from jail, Judge Samuel Huffman set bond 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 frantic Flynn told a dispatcher that someone had broken into his home and killed his wife. Flynn said she had been shot multiple times in the head and that he did not know if the intruder was still present. "There's blood everywhere, oh my God, oh my God, oh my God," Flynn said during the call.
Following Flynn's arrest on Thursday, his legal team criticized the police investigation's timeline. Patrick Mulligan, attorney for Flynn, said in a statement that he was "disappointed and concerned about the short timeline and seeming rush to judgment in this case."
Mulligan said that when the government cannot develop leads and focuses on a surviving spouse, "the chance of wrongful conviction increases."
Tipp City Police Chief Greg Adkins defended the investigation. He said the case has "not moved fast" but instead followed a thorough process. "Rather, it has progressed at a pace dictated by a thorough and deliberate investigative process," Adkins said.
Ashley Flynn worked as a middle school volleyball coach and substitute teacher. The school noted her kindness and impact on students. "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 school said in a Facebook post.
Caleb Flynn appeared in season 12 of "American Idol," CBS News reported. In an interview posted to the show's YouTube channel in 2012, he described himself as a music pastor. "The thing that makes me unique ... I absolutely love the Lord. I love my wife more than anything. She is very, very, very pretty," he said. "I'm just a normal person who absolutely loves to sing more than anything in the world."
In a statement, Ashley Flynn's family said they believe law enforcement officials took "proper steps" in the arrest of Caleb Flynn.
"Our hearts are shattered. Ashley brought endless light to our world, and we are trying to navigate this immense loss," the family said in the statement. "Our family believes this arrest was made carefully and not without serious consideration. After speaking with both local police and federal authorities, we trust the proper steps were taken, and the process is being handled appropriately."
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