Caleb Flynn, a former contestant on the television show "American Idol," is on trial in Ohio, accused of murdering his wife, Ashley Flynn. The trial resumed for its second week on Monday, with jurors continuing to watch a recorded interview with Flynn in which he describes what he says happened inside his home before and after his wife's death.
Prosecutors allege that Flynn shot Ashley in the back of the head and staged the scene to look like an intruder had broken in. Flynn has pleaded not guilty to aggravated murder and other charges. In the interview, Flynn directed investigators to a stranger he said appeared outside the family's home the day before Ashley was killed. He described the man as having long hair and behaving awkwardly, with no company logo visible on his clothing.
Flynn said the man gave Ashley what he described as a "weird" sales pitch involving an American flag. He told investigators that Ashley eventually closed the door after the man indicated he would return later. Flynn also walked investigators through his movements before the shooting, saying the family dogs were with him while he slept on the couch before one began shaking and scratching, waking him.
Prosecutors have presented evidence that Flynn had an affair with another woman, Alleigha Botner, and that he repeatedly talked about wanting his wife dead. Botner testified that she understood Flynn's plans for February 16 to mean he intended to finally leave Ashley and seek a divorce – not kill her. However, shortly after midnight on that morning, Flynn allegedly told Botner, "It's happening," followed by, "February 16th – day I'll never forget."
The trial is expected to continue with additional witnesses being called by prosecutors. It is unclear whether Flynn's daughters, who were inside the home when their mother was killed, will be among them.
NTC Report coverage is based on reporting from the original publisher.
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