Former American Idol contestant Caleb Flynn will spend the rest of his life behind bars after being sentenced for murdering his wife, Ashley Flynn.
The 40-year-old former music pastor was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole Monday, October 5, in Ohio—less than a week after a jury found him guilty on all nine counts in the case. Before hearing his sentence, Caleb became emotional while addressing the court and speaking about Ashley and their two daughters. Although he apologized for the lies and actions that caused his family pain, he continued to deny killing his wife.
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“I have unfortunately lied about a lot of things over the last couple of years, but as I stand here before God, who is my ultimate judge, I am not lying,” he said, according to ABC News. “I did not kill my wife.”
Caleb also said he plans to continue fighting to prove his innocence. His attorney previously indicated that the defense expected to appeal the conviction.
Last month, Caleb was found guilty of aggravated murder, three counts of murder, two counts of felonious assault, and three counts of tampering with evidence in connection with Ashley’s death.
Ashley, 37, was shot twice in the head at the couple’s home in Tipp City, Ohio, on February 16. Prosecutors argued that Caleb killed his wife and staged the scene to make it appear that an intruder had entered the home. They also pointed to his affair with another woman as a possible motive.
Among the evidence presented at trial were messages between Caleb and the woman. In one message sent the night before Ashley’s killing, he wrote, “I choose you. I’m free. Actions will come tomorrow.”
Caleb appeared on Season 12 of American Idol in 2013, earning a golden ticket to Hollywood before being eliminated early in the competition.