Former 'American Idol' Contestant Testifies About Texts With Alleged Mistress in Murder Trial
During the murder trial of Caleb Flynn, a former 'American Idol' contestant, a woman who says she had a romantic relationship with him read text messages that suggested hostility toward his wife and discussed future plans.
Alleigha Botner, a 24-year-old marketing specialist, testified in Miami County, Ohio, that she exchanged text messages with Caleb Flynn, 40, who is on trial for the murder of his wife, Ashley Flynn. Botner read several messages in which Flynn allegedly expressed hatred toward his wife and said he wanted her "gone," even if it meant harming their daughters. In one exchange, Botner recalled sending a message saying, "I want to kill her, Caleb," to which Flynn reportedly replied, "That makes two of us."
Botner said she met Flynn in 2022 while interning at his church and began a sexual relationship with him in May 2024, despite knowing he was married. She testified that the couple continued to discuss their future up to February 15, the day before Ashley Flynn was found dead with multiple gunshot wounds at the family home in Tipp City, Ohio. The couple's daughters, aged 9 and 11, were asleep at the time.
Authorities were called to the scene after Flynn reported a break-in and claimed his wife had been killed by an intruder. He was arrested three days later and charged with murder, two counts of felonious assault and two counts of tampering with evidence, to which he has pleaded not guilty. Flynn previously appeared on the twelfth season of "American Idol" in 2013 but was eliminated early.
"You know I hate her," Flynn allegedly wrote in a text, according to court evidence obtained by a local news outlet.
The trial continues as prosecutors present further evidence of Flynn's alleged involvement in his wife's death.