Ohio man convicted of murdering wife after 911 call claims intruder

A jury in Miami County, Ohio, convicted Caleb Flynn, 40, of aggravated murder, murder, felonious assault and tampering with evidence in the February shooting death of his wife, Ashley Flynn, 37. Flynn, who appeared on "American Idol" in 2013, had called 911 on February 16 to report an intruder breaking into their home and shooting his wife. He was arrested three days later.

The trial lasted more than a week, and the jury deliberated for roughly two and a half hours before returning a verdict of guilty on all counts. The judge revoked Flynn’s bond and scheduled sentencing for Oct. 5.

Prosecutors presented evidence including the 911 call, text messages between Flynn and his mistress, and digital records from the night of the shooting, arguing that Flynn shot his wife twice in the back of the head to pursue a relationship and benefit from her life insurance and family business.

"The evidence does not tell the story of an intruder," Miami County Assistant Prosecutor Matthew Joseph said during closing arguments.

The defense contended that the prosecution’s case relied on circumstantial evidence and that the only proven fact was Flynn’s affair.

"Connecting a couple of meaningless dots doesn't solve the case," defense attorney Patrick Mulligan told jurors.

Prosecuting Attorney Paul Watkins emphasized text messages in which Flynn expressed a desire to be with his mistress and described his wife in hostile terms, and noted that Flynn had removed home security cameras weeks before the shooting. He urged jurors to apply common sense, stating that the evidence was clear.

Flynn did not testify, and the defense called no witnesses. He had previously denied involvement in police interviews.

The conviction concludes a high-profile case that began with a 911 call alleging a home invasion but resulted in a murder conviction for the husband.