An American Idol star has been charged with murder after allegedly killing his wife at their home in Ohio.
Caleb Flynn, a 39-year-old former music pastor who appeared on the talent show’s twelfth series, was cuffed on Thursday evening amid an investigation into his wife’s death.
Authorities discovered 37-year-old Ashley Flynn’s body at 2.30 am on Monday, after receiving reports of a burglary at the couple’s home in Tipp City, close to Dayton.
Ashley had been shot twice and was pronounced dead at the scene, Tipp City Police Chief Greg Adkins told reporters.
Caleb Flynn was arrested three days into the investigation, on the same day that the couple’s church, the Christian Life Center, announced a celebration of life for Ashley.
According to the Dayton Daily News, the celebration of life service was scheduled for 4 pm on Sunday.
“The family and community deserve a thorough, professional and compassionate investigation into this very sensitive matter,” Adkins told reporters on Thursday. “As a result of the investigation, probable cause existed to charge Caleb Flynn with the murder of his wife.
“Due to the ongoing nature of this case, specific investigative details will not be released at this time.”
While appearing on American Idol , Flynn gave a gushing interview about his wife and even compared her to a former star from the show.
“I absolutely love the Lord. I love my wife more than anything. She is very, very pretty…I love her,” he said. “My favourite past Idol contestant would probably be Carrie Underwood.
“She’s just absolutely incredible. Love her attitude and just her passion for what she does. And, I promise you, if my wife dyed her hair blonde, she would look just like her.”
Now, Flynn has been charged with one count of murder, two counts of felonious assault and two counts of tampering with evidence, according to Police Chief Adkins.
The Independent has contacted the Tipp City Police Department for further comment.
