‘American Idol’ Season 12 Alum Caleb Flynn Charged with Wife’s Murder

American Idol Season 12 contestant Caleb Flynn is being charged with the murder of his wife, Ashley Flynn, in February of this year. Earlier this week, a judge in Ohio denied a motion by the defense to change the venue of Flynn’s trial due to “intense and sustained media coverage.”

American Idol Alum Charged with Wife’s Murder

According to NBC News, Caleb Flynn is accused of killing his wife in their Ohio home in February of this year and then staging the crime scene to look like a burglary. He was charged with murder, felonious assault, and tampering with evidence.

Following his arrest, Flynn pleaded not guilty. During his time competing on American Idol in 2013, Flynn reportedly described himself as a “music pastor.” He was eliminated during Hollywood Week. Flynn’s wife Ashley was a substitute teacher and middle school volleyball coach.

In a 911 call following his wife’s death, Flynn claimed that someone had broken into their house and shot her, saying the garage door was “wide open.” According to a police statement, the couple’s two children were home at the time.

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Change of Venue Denied for Flynn’s Trial

Earlier this week, Miami County Common Pleas Court Judge Jeannine Pratt held a final pretrial conference for Flynn’s case. The defense had filed a motion for a change of venue, arguing that the “intense and sustained media coverage” of the case would affect the ability to form a fair jury.

Pratt reportedly denied this motion, adding that the court “may revisit the issue if, following voir dire, the record demonstrates that an impartial jury cannot be seated in this venue.” The judge also denied a motion by the State of Ohio to sequester the jury during the trial.

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Flynn’s trial is scheduled to begin on September 17. Have you been following this case? What do you think about the charges against American Idol alum Caleb Flynn? Let us know in the comments below.