A former American Idol contestant and music pastor, Caleb Flynn, has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole after being convicted of murdering his wife in Ohio, United States.
Flynn, 40, was found guilty last week of murder, felonious assault and tampering with evidence in connection with the February killing of his wife, Ashley Flynn, 37, a teacher and volleyball coach.
Prosecutors said Flynn shot his wife at their home in Tipp City, near Dayton, and later staged the scene to make it appear that a burglar had carried out the killing.
Police arrived at the home while Flynn and the couple’s two daughters were present.
During his sentencing, Flynn broke down in court and apologised to his family, particularly his two daughters, acknowledging that he had failed in the vows he made to Ashley on their wedding day.
However, despite admitting that he had lied about several matters, Flynn maintained that he was innocent of the murder.
“As I stand here before God, who is my ultimate judge, I am not lying when I say I did not kill my wife,” he told the court.
Prosecutors argued that Flynn wanted to end his marriage and killed Ashley as part of a plan to get out of the relationship.
Flynn gained public attention in 2013 when he appeared on American Idol, performing before judges Mariah Carey, Randy Jackson and Nicki Minaj.
At the time, he told viewers that Ashley had encouraged him to pursue his musical ambitions by auditioning for the television talent competition.
