🚨 From American Idol stage to mur-der charge: He told the judges he loved his wife “more than anything”… but Monday morning, he called 911 claiming a burglar sh0t her d3ad in their bed. 😱💔

Caleb Flynn, former worship pastor and Idol hopeful, said an intruder broke in through the garage. Ashley Flynn—loved teacher, volleyball coach, mom of two little girls—was found with TWO sh0ts to the h3ad. Kids asleep upstairs, safe. No one else in the house.

Police bought the home invasion story at first… forced entry signs, frantic 8-minute 911 call begging for help. “She’s got two sh0ts to her h3ad!” he screamed.

Then the investigation flipped everything.😢

A former contestant on “American Idol” who once described himself as a devoted husband and worship leader has been charged with murdering his wife in their suburban home, with authorities alleging he staged the scene to resemble a deadly burglary.

Caleb Carl Flynn, 39, was arrested Thursday evening and faces one count of murder, two counts of felonious assault, and two counts of tampering with evidence in the Feb. 16 death of his 37-year-old wife, Ashley Flynn. He pleaded not guilty during a video arraignment Friday in Miami County Municipal Court, where a judge set his bond at $2 million.

The case began unfolding early Monday when Tipp City police responded around 2:30 a.m. to a 911 call from the home on the 900 block of Cunningham Court. Flynn reported that an intruder had entered through an open garage door and shot his wife. Officers arrived to find Ashley Flynn dead at the scene with two gunshot wounds. The couple’s two elementary-school-age daughters were asleep in their bedrooms and unharmed. No other individuals were believed to be in the residence at the time.

Police initially described signs of forced entry and treated the incident as a possible home invasion or burglary gone wrong. In the released 911 recording, which lasts nearly eight minutes, Flynn is heard frantically telling dispatchers his wife had been shot twice in the head, pleading for immediate help, and expressing shock over the alleged break-in.

After a collaborative investigation involving the Tipp City Police Department and other agencies, authorities developed probable cause to charge Flynn with the killing. Court documents allege he used a 9mm handgun to shoot his wife and then tampered with evidence to make it appear as though an unknown assailant was responsible.

Tipp City Police Chief Greg Adkins stated that the thorough probe provided grounds for the charges. “The Tipp City Police Department appreciates the community’s patience and support while this collaborative investigative team worked diligently on this complex case,” the department said in a release. “We also extend our sincere appreciation to the many agencies that have assisted—and continue to assist—in this investigation involving a tragic loss of life.”

Ashley Flynn worked as a substitute teacher and volleyball coach for Tipp City Schools, where she was remembered for her warmth and positive influence. In a tribute posted by the district, officials described her as “known for her beautiful smile, warmth, kindness, and the positive impact she had on so many—both in and out of the classroom and on the court.” Colleagues and parents expressed profound grief over the loss of a dedicated educator and coach who touched countless young lives.

Flynn’s background added a layer of public intrigue to the tragedy. He auditioned for Season 12 of “American Idol” in 2013, introducing himself as a music pastor “born to sing.” In a hometown interview segment for the show, he spoke glowingly of his wife, saying, “I absolutely love the Lord. I love my wife more than anything. She is very, very pretty… I love her.” He advanced in the competition but did not reach the later rounds.

Flynn previously served as a worship pastor and music leader at the Christian Life Center in Butler Township, Ohio. The church issued a statement expressing sorrow over Ashley’s death and requesting prayers for Caleb, their daughters, and extended family. Pastor Jordan Hansen described the loss as devastating to the congregation.

The rapid shift from apparent random crime to spousal homicide accusation has stunned the quiet community north of Dayton. Neighbors and friends have grappled with the contrast between the family’s public image—rooted in faith, music, and community involvement—and the violent allegations now before the court.

No motive has been publicly disclosed by authorities, and details of the evidence leading to the charges remain limited at this early stage. Prosecutors have not commented on potential aggravating factors or whether additional charges could be filed. Flynn remains in the Miami County Jail pending further proceedings.

The case has drawn national attention due to Flynn’s reality TV history, with outlets from local Dayton media to national networks covering the developments. It echoes other high-profile incidents where initial reports of stranger danger later pointed to domestic involvement, prompting questions about scene staging and investigative timelines.

For the Tipp City school community, the focus remains on supporting students and staff amid mourning. Counselors have been made available, and volleyball team members have shared memories of their coach’s encouragement and energy on the court.

As the legal process moves forward, the Flynn family—once highlighted for faith and talent—now faces a courtroom reckoning. Ashley’s death has left two young daughters without their mother, and the broader community continues to seek answers in what authorities describe as a tragic and complex loss of life.

The investigation remains active, with police urging anyone with information to come forward. Flynn’s next court appearance has not been immediately scheduled beyond initial proceedings.