Former worship leader and ‘American Idol’ hopeful charged with murder in wife’s shooting death

TIPP CITY, Ohio (TCN) -- A 39-year-old man who served as a worship leader and once auditioned for “American Idol” has been charged with murder in the fatal shooting of his wife, authorities say.

On Feb. 16, officers responded to a report of a burglary and shooting at about 2:30 a.m., WLWT reports. Officers were met at the door by Caleb Flynn, who had placed the 911 call, and his two children. Ashley Flynn, 37, was pronounced dead at the scene. The children were reportedly asleep in their beds during the shooting and were not harmed, according to police.

WKRC reports authorities established a perimeter and used K-9s and a drone to search the area for suspects, but none were found. Tipp City Police Chief Gregory Adkins said, “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.”

According to a criminal complaint obtained by the Dayton Daily News, police say they were “led astray” by the staging of the crime scene. Flynn allegedly told 911 dispatchers his wife had been shot in the head and was unresponsive and that he was unsure if the intruder was still in the house.

At the scene, the garage door was open, as was the center console in Flynn’s truck. Flynn told police it was where he kept his handgun. Police also reported the side door to the garage had a refrigerator in front of it that would have had to be pushed to the side to open the door.

On Feb. 19, police arrested Flynn and charged him with one count of murder, two counts of felonious assault, and two counts of tampering with evidence. He pleaded not guilty to all charges in court on Feb. 20 and his bond was set at $2 million, according to WLWT.

The Dayton Daily News reports Flynn auditioned for Season 12 of “American Idol” in 2013 and said in an interview, “I love my wife more than anything. She is very, very pretty. I love her.”

The Dayton Daily News reports both Flynns had worked at their church, Christian Life Center, in the past. Flynn had served as a music pastor and worship leader. According to his LinkedIn profile, Flynn is the vice president of sales at a company specializing in commercial flooring and worship seats.

Christian Life Center’s lead pastor Jordan Paul Hansen said in a statement on Facebook, “This week, we received news that Caleb Flynn has been arrested and charged in connection with her death. This brings understandable shock and sorrow. As a church, we believe the responsibility to investigate and judge belongs to the legal system. In the United States, people are innocent until proven guilty. That process is entrusted to the authorities and ultimately to God, whose justice is perfect. The role of the church is not to speculate, but to love, to mourn, and to keep eyes fixed on Jesus. We are all grieving.”

According to a Facebook tribute to Ashley Flynn from Tipp City Schools, she is described as a former teacher and current volleyball coach and substitute. “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 tribute reads.

The Dayton Daily News reports Flynn is due in court on Feb. 26 for a preliminary hearing.

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