Former American Idol contestant and pastor found guilty of murdering wife. #BBCNews
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Former American Idol contestant and pastor found guilty of murdering wife. #BBCNews
Caleb Flynn

Former 'American Idol' singer Caleb Flynn convicted of fatally shooting his wife; he was a former Ohio music pastor having an affair

Caleb Flynn, a former Ohio music pastor and 'American Idol' contestant, was convicted of murder for fatally shooting his wife during an affair, according to a Miami County jury's decision on Tuesday.

Yahoo Yahoo29 September 2026 · 21:56 UTC
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Key Insight
“The conviction stems from the killing of his wife while he was having an affair, according to the report. Flynn, who once appeared on the singing competition, now faces sentencing for the murder.”
Former American Idol contestant convicted of murder
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Former American Idol contestant convicted of murder
Caleb Flynn found guilty of wife's murder
CuriousCats Shorts-list
Caleb Flynn found guilty of wife's murder
Former 'American Idol' contestant found guilty of wife's murder
CuriousCats Shorts-list
Former 'American Idol' contestant found guilty of wife's murder
Former 'American Idol' contestant found guilty of murdering wife
CuriousCats Shorts-list
Former 'American Idol' contestant found guilty of murdering wife
Former 'American Idol' contestant found guilty of murdering wife
CuriousCats Shorts-list
Former 'American Idol' contestant found guilty of murdering wife
Caleb Flynn denies killing wife in police interview played in court during trial
CuriousCats Shorts-list
Caleb Flynn denies killing wife in police interview played in court during trial
Closings in ex-‘American Idol’ contestant Caleb Flynn’s murder trial
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Closings in ex-‘American Idol’ contestant Caleb Flynn’s murder trial
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“A former Ohio music pastor who once appeared on "American Idol" has been convicted of murder in the killing of his wife while he was having an affair.”
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Caleb Flynn found guilty of murder in wife's death; sentencing set for next week, faces life in prison
KXAN AustinKXAN Austin
Caleb Flynn found guilty of murder in wife's death; sentencing set for next week, faces life in prison

An Ohio jury found Caleb Flynn guilty on all counts in the murder of his wife, Ashley Flynn.

Affair TestimonyAi Love SongsCaleb Flynn Guilty
2026-09-30
TL;DR by CuriousCats.ai
  • The jury deliberated for about three hours before returning the verdict, during which Flynn and Ashley's family were seen crying.
  • A sentencing hearing is scheduled for next week, and Flynn faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.
  • During his police interview, Flynn described waking up, going to his daughters' room, hearing a gunshot, and finding his wife unresponsive before calling 911.
  • The trial included testimony from Alleigha Botner, who admitted to an affair with Flynn, and evidence of AI-generated love songs and over 100,000 text messages.
  • Botner testified that Flynn expressed hatred for his wife and thoughts of killing her, and she shared texts where she said she wanted his wife dead, to which Flynn replied, 'That makes two of us.'
  • In closing arguments, the prosecution argued Flynn wanted to be the victim, keep his job and daughters, while getting rid of his wife, and demanded guilty verdicts on all counts.
Jury finds Caleb Flynn, former 'American Idol' contestant, guilty on all charges in wife's killing; sentencing set for Oct. 5
WHIO-TVWHIO-TV
Jury finds Caleb Flynn, former 'American Idol' contestant, guilty on all charges in wife's killing; sentencing set for Oct. 5

Defense attorney Kevin Reddington argued that the prosecution did not prove Lindsay Clancy's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt and called the police investigation “horrendous.”

Aggravated Murder ChargesAmerican Idol TrialAppeal Filed
2026-09-29
TL;DR by CuriousCats.ai
  • Caleb Flynn, a former 'American Idol' contestant, has been found guilty on all charges in the killing of his wife, Ashley Flynn.
  • The jury found Flynn guilty of aggravated murder, three counts of murder, two counts of felonious assault, and three counts of tampering with evidence.
  • Sentencing for Flynn is set for October 5 at 3 p.m., and his defense attorney has indicated that an appeal will be filed.
  • Flynn was charged with aggravated murder, assault, and tampering with evidence in the February shooting of his wife.
  • During the trial, the prosecution argued that Flynn attempted to mislead investigators by staging a break-in at their home.
  • Flynn's defense argued that there was no gun or evidence linking him to the crime, while the prosecution cited his affair and incriminating text messages.
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