Former ‘American Idol’ contestant charged with murdering wife in Ohio

Caleb Flynn in a booking photo from Miami County Jail in Dayton, Ohio, Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026. (Miami County Jail)

Authorities in Ohio have arrested a former "American Idol" contestant, accusing him of fatally shooting his wife and attempting to stage the scene to mislead investigators.

Caleb Flynn, 39, pleaded not guilty last week to charges of murder, assault and tampering with evidence.

The judge set his bond at $2 million.

What they're saying:

"I just want to take care of my daughters. I’m not a risk," he told Judge Samuel Huffman in a video of his arraignment from jail.

The backstory:

Ashley Flynn, 37, was found dead last week after officers received a report of a burglary and shooting at a Tipp City home, according to a news release by Tipp City Police. Her husband and two children were inside the home when officers arrived.

In a 911 call released by authorities, a frantic Caleb Flynn tells a dispatcher someone broke into his home and killed his wife. He says she was shot multiple times in the head and he doesn’t know whether the intruder was still there.

"There’s blood everywhere, oh my god, oh my god, oh my god," he says.

His attorney, Patrick Mulligan, said in a statement on Saturday he and Flynn were "disappointed and concerned about the short timeline and seeming rush to judgment in this case." Police arrested Flynn on Thursday.

"When the government runs out of leads or can’t develop leads and looks at a surviving spouse in cases such as these, the chance of a wrongful conviction increases," the statement said.

Tipp City Police Chief Greg Adkins defended the investigation, saying in an email on Saturday that it had "not moved fast."

"Rather, it has progressed at a pace dictated by a thorough and deliberate investigative process," he said.

Ashley Flynn was a middle school volleyball coach and substitute teacher, Tipp City Schools said on its Facebook page.

"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 post said.

The Source: The Associated Press contributed to this report. The information in this story comes from official statements and materials released by Tipp City Police, including a news release detailing the arrest and charges and the 911 call placed from the home. This story was reported from Los Angeles. 

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