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LIVE: Ex-mistress of former 'American Idol' contestant charged in wife's murder takes stand
ABC7 New York • • nation
Key Points:
- Caleb Flynn, a former pastor and "American Idol" contestant, is on trial in Ohio for allegedly murdering his wife, Ashley Flynn, by shooting her twice in the head and staging the scene to look like a burglary.
- His former mistress, Alleigha Botner, testified that Caleb expressed a desire for his wife to be "gone" or "dead," and she believes he committed the murder, citing his threatening language and their ongoing affair.
- Prosecutors argue Caleb killed his wife to be with Botner, maintain custody of his daughters, keep his job, and benefit financially, while the defense contends there is no direct evidence linking him to the crime and that his hurtful messages were manipulative rather than incriminating.
- Botner described their secret relationship, including matching tattoos and extensive text messages, and revealed her growing distrust and eventual decision to move on when Caleb failed to leave his wife.
- The trial continues with Botner's testimony expected to resume, as the prosecution presents evidence suggesting Caleb staged the crime scene to appear as a victim of an intruder.
