A Miami County jury has found Caleb Flynn, 40, guilty of murdering his wife, Ashley, in their Tipp City home back in February.
MIAMI COUNTY, Ohio (WKEF) -- Caleb Flynn, former pastor and "American Idol" contestant, has been found guilty on all counts.
A Miami County jury found Caleb Flynn, 40, guilty Tuesday, Sept 29 of murdering his wife, Ashley, in their Tipp City home back in February.
Opening statements for the trial began on Friday, September 18, and closing arguments wrapped up on Tuesday.
The jury needed just a few hours to reach a verdict in this case that has gained national attention.
Flynn claimed someone broke into their home and shot his wife in the head while she slept.
However, investigators say he staged all of it, and wanted her out of the picture so he could pursue an extramarital affair.
Flynn's defense team pushed back that the prosecution didn't prove its case, citing that investigators failed to collect evidence linking Flynn to the murder.
Jurors ultimately agreed Caleb Flynn did murder his wife and came to a guilty verdict.
Flynn's sentencing is planned for 3 p.m. on October 5.
"As far as the jury verdict while we respect the system, certainly we're disappointed. I fully anticipate that there will be a notice of appeal filed, and this decision will be tested thoroughly in the court of appeals," Caleb Flynn's Defense Attorney Patrick Mulligan.
Mulligan said the first six counts all merge and the potential sentencing in Ohio on aggravated murder is 20 to life, 25 to life, 30 to life or life without parole.
Mulligan was asked why it was his decision not to call any witnesses.
"Simple matter of them not showing the elements," Mulligan said.
Mulligan was asked if Flynn wanted to testify.
"He testified three times," Mulligan said. "You heard his statement three times with the police. There wasn't any reason to put him on for a fourth time." Mulligan says Flynn stands by the fact that he's not guilty.
"I'd like to start by thanking the jury for their dedication to justice in this case. To be quite honest, I'm tired of talking about Caleb Flynn. It's time for the community, the media, and everyone else to turn their focus on to Ashley. This world would be a much better place if all of us in it lived like Ashley," said Prosecuting Attorney Paul Watkins.
Watkins ended the press conference with a statement from the family of Ashley Smith Flynn.
"Today's verdict brings justice and accountability for Ashley's death, and our family is deeply grateful to everyone who helped bring us to this moment. However, no verdict can bring Ashley back. Give the girls back their mother, or erase the pain our family has endured.
The cruelty of what happened to Ashley and the things we've been forced to hear and relive have at times felt unbearable. But through all of it, we've held tightly to this truth. Ashley's life will not be defined by the way it ended. She'll be remembered for the way she lived.
Ashley loved Jesus with her whole heart. Her faith wasn't simply something she simply spoke about. It was how she lived. She loved people well, found joy beyond her circumstances, prayed boldly for her family, and wanted her life to point people to Jesus. Most of all, she loved being a mom.
She prayed over her girls, taught them to love God, and showed them what it looked like to live with faith, kindness, joy, and grace. We refuse to let the evil that ended Ashley's life have the final word in her story. Our faith does not erase our grief, but it carries us through it.
We know Ashley is home with the Lord. She loved and served. So as this chapter closes, our prayer is that Ashley story does not end with a verdict. We pray it continues through her girls, our family, and every person touched by the way she lived. If you want to honor Ashley, love people well. Pray boldly for your family. Choose joy and point people to Jesus.
We are deeply grateful to the jury for their careful attention and service, and to the Miami County Prosecutor's Office, the Tipp City Police Department, the FBI, BCI, and every investigator and advocate who worked tirelessly to seek the truth.
Thank you to everyone who has prayed for, loved and supported our family. We ask for privacy now as we continue healing and loving Ashley's girls the way she would want them loved. Please remember Ashley for not how she died, but for how beautifully she lived."
See the full verdict here on our YouTube channel:
Watch each day of the trial here.
