Authorities in Ohio have arrested and charged a former ‘American Idol’ contestant with shooting and killing his wife and staging the crime scene to mislead investigators. Caleb Flynn pleaded not guilty Friday to charges of murder, assault and tampering with evidence, per the Associated Press.
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What Is The ‘American Idol’ Contestant Accused Of Doing?
Caleb’s wife, Ashley Flynn, was found dead Monday (Feb. 16) 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 in the call.
In a video of his arraignment from jail, the 39-year-old pleaded with Judge Samuel Huffman for his release. “I just want to take care of my daughters. I’m not a risk,” Caleb Flynn told Huffman. In the end, the judge set his bond at $2 million.
Police Reacts To Flynn’s Lawyer Alleging A Rushed Case
On Saturday (Feb. 21), Attorney Patrick Mulligan said in a statement that he and the former ‘American Idol’ contestant were “disappointed and concerned about the short timeline and seeming rush to judgment in this case.” Police arrested Flynn on Thursday, approximately three days after the Monday shooting.
“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.
Meanwhile, 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,” Adkins said.
Fundraiser For Ashley Flynn’s Daughters Raises Over $100,000
The late 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. Our thoughts are with all who are grieving during this difficult time. 🤍
One day before Caleb Flynn’s arrest on Thursday, GoFundMe shared a Facebook post detailing the death of Ashley. At the time, her husband was not a public suspect. Therefore, the post preached that the funds were to help Caleb and their daughters “during this unimaginable time.” By that point, donors had raised $77,000 and as of Saturday the amount has surpassed $107,000.
The GoFundMe fundraiser description says the funds raised “will be transferred to an account managed by Ashley’s uncle, Rob Groeschen.” It adds: “These funds will be used for the benefit of Ashley’s daughters.”
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Associated Press writer Sudhin Thanawala contributed to this report via AP Newsroom.
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