Authorities in Ohio have arrested a former “American Idol” contestant and accused him of shooting and killing his wife and staging the crime scene to mislead investigators.
Caleb Flynn, 39, pleaded not guilty Friday to charges of murder, assault and tampering with evidence.
“I just want to take care of my daughters. I’m not a danger,” he told Judge Samuel Hoffman in a video during his trial from prison.
The judge set his bail at $2 million.
Ashley Flynn, 37, was found dead Monday after officers received a report of a robbery and shooting at a home in Tipp City, according to a news release from Tipp City Police. Her husband and two children were inside the home when officers arrived.
In a 911 call released by authorities, a frantic Caleb Flynn tells a dispatcher that someone broke into his house and killed his wife. He says she was shot several times in the head and doesn’t know if the intruder is still there.
“There’s blood everywhere,” he says. “Oh my God, oh my God, oh my God.”
His lawyer, Patrick Mulligan, said in a statement on Saturday that he and Flynn “are disappointed and concerned about the short timeline and appear to have rushed to judgment in this case.” Police arrested Flynn on Thursday.
“When the government runs out of evidence or cannot develop it and looks to the surviving spouse in such cases, the chance of wrongful conviction increases,” the statement said.
Tipp City Police Chief Greg Adkins defended the investigation, saying in an email Saturday that it “did not move quickly.”
“Instead, it has progressed at a pace dictated by a thorough and thoughtful investigative process.”
Tipp City Schools said on its Facebook page that Ashley Flynn was the middle school’s volleyball coach and substitute teacher.
“She was known for her beautiful smile, warmth, kindness, and positive influence on so many, both inside and outside the classroom and on the field,” the post read.
