American Idol Alum Caleb Flynn Found Guilty of Murdering Wife

Former "American Idol" contestant Caleb Flynn has been found guilty of murdering his wife, Ashley Flynn. A Miami County jury convicted the 40-year-old on Tuesday of aggravated murder and tampering with evidence, among other related charges, after deliberating for just 2.5 hours.

Prosecutors presented evidence that Flynn shot his 37-year-old wife in the back of the head while she slept in their Tipp City, Ohio, home on Feb. 16. He then reportedly staged the scene to resemble a home invasion.

Weeks before the murder, Ashley Flynn had saved a photograph on her phone depicting her husband with a large "X" scratched out over his face. This image was presented to jurors during the trial.

Flynn's conviction followed a nine-day trial during which prosecutors revealed a trove of over 100,000 text messages exchanged between Flynn and his mistress, Alleigha Botner, 24. In one message, which Botner was compelled to read aloud in court, Flynn discussed killing his wife to be with Botner. Text messages presented also indicated Flynn texting Botner hours before the murder, stating, "I choose you. I’m free. Actions will come tomorrow."

Flynn, who appeared on "American Idol" in 2013, had previously expressed his love for his wife, a teacher and volleyball coach, on the show. He faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole. Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 5.