Caleb Flynn Trial: Jurors See Police Interview Detailing Wife's Fatal Shooting

The murder trial of former "American Idol" contestant Caleb Flynn entered its second week with jurors viewing a recorded police interview detailing the night his wife, Ashley Flynn, was fatally shot. Flynn has pleaded not guilty to charges of aggravated murder and other offenses.

Prosecutors allege Flynn shot his wife in the back of the head and then staged the scene to appear as an intrusion. In the interview played for the court, Flynn recounted the events leading up to and following the February 16, 2026, shooting at their Tipp City, Ohio, home.

During the interview, Flynn directed investigators to a man he claimed appeared outside their home the day before the shooting. He described the individual as having long hair and engaging in an unusual sales pitch involving an American flag to Ashley Flynn. Flynn stated that his daughter could corroborate this account.

Flynn also described how he was awakened by gunshots. He told investigators he had been sleeping on the couch and was roused when the family dogs became agitated. After checking on his daughters, he returned to lie down with his youngest and was subsequently awakened by the gunshots.

Detective Sgt. Mike Morgan testified that Flynn told investigators he froze for several seconds after hearing the shots before discovering his wife's body in the master bedroom.

The trial has also heard testimony from Flynn's former mistress, Alleigha Botner, who detailed their affair and presented messages exchanged between them in the months prior to Ashley Flynn's death. Botner testified that Flynn had expressed desires for his wife to be dead and had written about contemplating ways to kill her without facing legal consequences. Flynn's defense attorneys have emphasized the large volume of communication between Flynn and Botner, including emotionally charged messages from Botner herself.

Botner also testified that she understood Flynn's plans for February 16th to involve him leaving his wife and seeking a divorce. Messages exchanged shortly after midnight on the day of the shooting show communication between Flynn and Botner, with Flynn stating, "It’s happening," and "February 16th – day I’ll never forget." Botner responded, "You’re about to be free," and Flynn replied, "I choose you."

Investigators have not recovered the firearm alleged to have been used in the shooting, despite extensive searches. No eyewitnesses to the shooting have come forward, and testimony indicated that no gunshot residue was found on Flynn.

Prosecutors are expected to call additional witnesses as they approach resting their case. It remains unclear if Flynn's two daughters, who were reportedly inside the home at the time of the shooting, will testify. If they do, they are expected to do so via audio only.