Family of murdered Ohio teacher break their silence after she was allegedly killed by ex-American Idol contestant husband
The family of a murdered Ohio teacher is speaking out after her former American Idol contestant husband was charged with her murder.
Ashley Flynn, 37, was allegedly shot dead by Caleb Flynn, 39, at their Tipp City home in the early hours of February 16.
Her family have expressed relief that there has been an arrest in connection with the mother-of-two’s death, which Flynn told authorities was the result of a botched burglary.
‘Our family believes this arrest was made carefully and not without serious consideration,’ the family told Fox News in a statement.
‘After speaking with both local police and federal authorities, we trust the proper steps were taken and the process is being handled appropriately.’
The family said their ‘hearts are shattered’ after losing Ashley, who ‘brought endless light to our world’.
‘We are trying to navigate this immense loss,’ they told the outlet.
Flynn, who appeared on American Idol in 2013, has been charged with murder, two counts of felonious assault with a deadly weapon and two counts of tampering with evidence. He pleaded not guilty during an initial appearance Friday.
Ashley Flynn’s family celebrated the arrest of her husband Caleb Flynn, who is accused of shooting his wife in the head twice in their bed and staging a break-in on February 16
The family said their ‘hearts are shattered’ after losing Ashley, who ‘brought endless light to our world’
He wept over the phone as he claimed his educator wife was killed in a break-in. However, prosecutors allege that he shot his wife in the head before staging the scene in an effort to mislead investigators.
‘Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god,’ he said in a panic on the 911 call. ‘Somebody broke into my home and shot my wife.’
The dispatcher asked if the intruder was still inside the home, to which Caleb responded: ‘I don’t know, I don’t know… please hurry, please please hurry.’
Asked what he can see, Flynn said: ‘My wife, she’s got two shots to her head. There is blood everywhere… oh my god, oh my god, oh my god.’
Authorities arrived at the couple’s home in Tipp City, around 20 miles outside of Dayton, Ohio, at 2.30am on February 16 and pronounced Ashley dead at the scene.
Court documents allege that Flynn used a 9mm handgun to shoot his wife in the head while their two children were sleeping in rooms nearby.
According to dispatch logs, officers responded to reports of a possible burglary and found the garage door was open, suggesting a potential intruder could still be inside.
Prosecutors said police at the scene established that only Ashley, Flynn and their two daughters were inside the home, along with their two dogs.
Flynn appeared on American Idol in 2013, where he raved about his wife during an episode
He was charged with murder, two counts of felonious assault with a deadly weapon and two counts of tampering with evidence
When officers arrived, Ashley was found in bed in the master bedroom with gunshot wounds to the head.
Two shell casings were discovered near the foot of the bed, the affidavit states.
Inside the garage, investigators found the center console of a 2024 Ford pickup truck open – where Flynn told police he kept his handgun.
Police also noted that a large refrigerator had been positioned in front of the garage’s side door and would have had to be pushed aside to open it.
In his time on the American Idol contest, Flynn spoke proudly of his wife and boasted of his devotion to his Christian faith.
‘I absolutely love the Lord. I love my wife more than anything. She is very, very pretty… I love her,’ he said at the time.
Flynn had also served as a music pastor and worship leader at Christian Life Center in Butler Township.
Ashley was a beloved teacher who was a graduate of Tippecanoe High School and Lee University and coached girls volleyball at Tippecanoe Middle School.
Ashley was a beloved teacher who was a graduate of Tippecanoe High School and Lee University and coached girls volleyball at Tippecanoe Middle School
She also worked as a substitute teacher for Tipp City Schools and taught at LifeWise Academy, a nonprofit providing Bible-based lessons to public school students.
Ashley’s school district remembered her as a dedicated educator who left a lasting mark on her students.
They said 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’.
A GoFundMe established after Ashley’s death raised more than $100,000 in its first day, which said the proceeds would go to her daughters ‘during this unimaginable time’.
The fundraiser read: ‘Ashley lived her life as the hands and feet of Jesus. Her laughter was contagious, she was the biggest encourager, and she loved people deeply.’
