Caleb Flynn, a former “American Idol” contestant, has entered a plea of not guilty after being arrested in Ohio for the alleged murder of his wife.
The 39-year-old made his appearance in Miami County Municipal Court on Friday, facing charges including murder, assault, and evidence tampering, as reported by FOX News Digital.
Authorities accuse Flynn of fatally shooting his wife, Ashley Flynn, 37, at their home in Tipp County on February 16. Allegedly, he then attempted to disguise the crime scene as a burglary.
During a virtual court session on Friday, Flynn addressed Judge Samuel Huffman, arguing that he posed no flight risk and emphasized his need to care for his daughters.
“Sir, I just want to take care of my daughters. I’m not a risk,” he stated earnestly.
Judge Huffman set Flynn’s bond at $2 million, according to a report from CBS News.
Before Flynn’s court appearance, his lawyer, L. Patrick Mulligan, made a statement to People magazone.
“We are both disappointed and concerned about the short timeline and seeming rush to judgment in this case,” he said.
“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.”
As CrimeOnline previously reported, police arrested Flynn on Thursday after allegedly shooting his wife in the head numerous times.
He called 911 early morning on February 16 and reported a burglary in progress.
When officers arrived, they found Ashley dead in bed in the master bedroom. They also found signs of apparent forced entry.
People magazine reported that in the nearly eight-minute 911 call, the caller stated, “Somebody broke into my home and killed my wife,” the caller cries out. “Please, please hurry.”
“She’s got three shots to her and blood everywhere,” the caller adds the shots are in her head. “Ashley, baby, baby, please. Oh my God!”
Both Flynns were former staff members of the Christian Life Center, where Caleb Flynn had been a music pastor, worship leader, and a 2013 American Idol hopeful.
Ashley Flynn coached volleyball at Tippecanoe Middle School and had been a substitute teacher for Tipp City Schools, where she had taught elementary school. She also taught bible lessons at LifeWise Academy, previously reported by CrimeOnline.
FOX News reported that Ashley’s family believes that Caleb’s arrest was “made carefully and not without serious consideration.”
They spoke with authorities and expressed their trust.
“After speaking with both local police and federal authorities, we trust the proper steps were taken, and the process is being handled appropriately.”
Chexk back for updates.
[Feature Photo: Ashley and Caleb Flynn/Facebook]
