More details emerge after Flynn conviction; sentencing scheduled for Monday

More details emerge from yesterday’s conviction

By B.J. Bethel

TROY — Caleb Flynn, a former pastor and American Idol contestant, was convicted of murdering his wife Ashley on Tuesday in Miami County Common Pleas Court.

Flynn’s trial, which lasted two weeks, attracted national attention after Ashley was killed on February 16 in the family’s Tipp City home. Flynn told police an intruder had invaded the home and shot his wife while she slept.

The jury convicted Flynn of aggravated murder (one count), murder (three counts), felonious assault (two counts) and tampering with evidence (three counts). Charges of intimidating a witness, victim, or attorney were dropped before closing statements on Tuesday. Seven of the counts included a gun specification.

Miami County Prosecuting Attorney Paul Watkins credited the multiple law enforcement agencies that investigated the case.

“This was textbook in terms of collaboration with law enforcement,” Watkins said. “Everybody in this county should be proud of Miami County law enforcement.”

Mulligan said Flynn maintained his innocence after the verdict. The defense has 30 days to file an appeal.

“As far as the jury verdict, we respect the system, certainly, but we’re disappointed,” Mulligan said. “I anticipate a notice of appeal will be filed, and this decision will be tested thoroughly in the court of appeals.”

Mulligan and fellow attorney Emily Smith maintained the state lacked forensic and physical evidence to convict Flynn. After the state rested its case on Monday, the defense also rested before calling any of its scheduled witnesses.

 “It was simply a matter of them not showing the elements,” Mulligan said.

Mulligan said six of the counts against Flynn would merge. He faces possible life in prison without parole.

“He was upset and I understand that,” Mulligan said. “He had expectations. He was disappointed.”

Court TV and several national outlets covered the case, which lasted around two weeks. A couple dozen people were gathered outside the courthouse while the verdict was read. Several clapped after Watkins and Tipp City Police Chief Greg Adkins read statements to the press. Neither took questions.

Tracy Smith of Troy was driving past the courthouse after work. She said she had followed the trial since it started. She wasn’t related to any of the parties involved but was concerned for the victim's family.

“I wanted to hear what the attorneys had to say,” Smith said. “The children are at the forefront of my mind. They’ve lost both their parents and it’s horrifying.”

Watkins thanked Ashley’s family for their patience. During the seven months leading to the trial, he said there were times he wished he could have shared more with the family.

“It’s often hard as a prosecutor when you want to sit down and let the family know all of the facts you know, and they’ve been fantastic,” Watkins said. “They’ve had complete faith in law enforcement and this process.”

Watkins included a statement from Ashley’s family in his remarks.

“We refuse to let the evil that ended Ashley’s life have the final word in her story,” the statement said. “Our faith does not erase our grief, but it carries us through it.

“We ask for privacy as we continue healing and loving Ashley’s girls the way she would want them loved.”

Flynn’s sentencing is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 5, at 3 p.m. at the Miami County Courthouse before Judge Jeannine Pratt.