By Admire Manzamwa
Sept. 18, 2026
TIPP CITY, Ohio — Opening statements began Friday in the murder trial of former “American Idol” contestant Caleb Flynn, with prosecutors alleging the singer sent more than 100,000 messages to a mistress about his desire to kill his wife.
Flynn, 40, who competed on the 12th season of ABC’s singing competition in 2013, is accused of fatally shooting his wife, Ashley Flynn, in February and staging the crime scene to make it appear she was killed by an intruder.
“I choose you. I’m free,” Flynn wrote to the woman the night before the killing, according to prosecutor Paul M. Watkins. “Actions will come tomorrow. February 16, a day I’ll never forget.”
Ashley Flynn, a beloved middle school volleyball coach and substitute teacher, was found dead in the couple’s Tipp City home on Feb. 16. Flynn had frantically called 911 that morning to report that someone broke into the home and killed his wife while he was in their daughters’ bedroom, investigators said. He was arrested on Feb. 19 after investigators cited inconsistencies in his statements.
Flynn has pleaded not guilty to charges including aggravated murder, murder, felonious assault and tampering with evidence. A March grand jury indictment brought his total to 11 counts, including witness intimidation.
The couple’s two daughters, who were 9 and 12 at the time and were home during the killing, are expected to testify behind a partition over the objections of the defense, according to People. The alleged mistress is also expected to testify. Prosecutors and defense attorneys listed nearly 200 potential witnesses.
Jurors are expected to visit the family’s home to view the crime scene and hear testimony from several of Ashley’s family members, CNN reported. Prosecutors have not publicly offered a motive for the killing.
“We’re looking forward to trying the case,” defense attorney Patrick Mulligan told CNN this week. “We’ve been waiting for this.”
Jury selection began Thursday, with 16 panelists seated — four of them alternates — according to CNN affiliate WHIO. The trial is expected to last about two weeks.
About 13 years ago, Flynn gushed about his wife during his “American Idol” stint, saying she encouraged him to audition.
“I love my wife more than anything,” he said in an interview at the time. “She’s very, very pretty, just — woof, I love her.”
Sources: CNN; USA Today; People; WHIO.