Ex-"American Idol" Contestant Denies Killing Wife in Police Interview Played for Jury

Former "American Idol" contestant Caleb Flynn claimed to police that he did not kill his wife, according to a recording of his interview played for jurors on Monday as testimony wrapped up in his murder trial. Flynn, 40, is accused of fatally shooting his wife, 37-year-old Ashley Flynn, in their Ohio home in February while their two daughters slept nearby.

"I'm telling you, I didn't touch my wife," Flynn stated during the interview, to which an investigator responded, "The evidence is a little contrary to that." The prosecution alleges that Flynn shot his wife in bed and then staged the scene to appear as a home invasion.

The testimony concluded without the defense calling any witnesses, and closing arguments are scheduled for Tuesday. Prosecutors contend that Flynn's nearly two-year affair with Alleigha Botner, 24, a fellow worship leader at his church, was the motive for the killing. Botner testified, reading text messages exchanged with Flynn in which she expressed a desire to kill Ashley Flynn, and Flynn responded, "That makes two of us."

Flynn told police an intruder killed his wife while he slept in a different room. However, investigators testified that no evidence supported this claim, as a police dog did not detect an intruder's scent and neighborhood canvassing yielded no information about a home invasion. The defense argued that the prosecution's case is weak, noting the murder weapon was never recovered and the case relies solely on Flynn's affair.

Flynn has pleaded not guilty to charges including aggravated murder and tampering with evidence. If convicted of the top charge, he faces a potential sentence of life in prison without parole.