By New York Post (U.S.) | Created at 2026-10-05 20:47:01 | Updated at 2026-10-05 21:59:11
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“American Idol” alum and ex-church pastor Caleb Flynn blubbered and trembled during his sentencing hearing and continued to claim he did not kill his wife — despite being found guilty on all counts.
The judge the threw the book at him and gave him life in prison without parole.
“I made vows to Ashley on our wedding day,” said Flynn, wearing orange jail clothes, through tears.
“I failed those vows and through my decisions I have caused you guys an incredible amount of pain. Through those decisions I’m sure you have felt betrayal, confusion, anger and so much more,” he said, his hands shaking as they held papers he read from.
Prosecutors alleged Flynn executed his 37-year-old wife in her bed while their two young daughters slept in their rooms, all so he could start a life with his mistress Alleigha Botner, 24.
“What I am most ashamed of and regret most of all are the awful things I said about Ashley,” Flynn told the judge. “I loved her and love her. She was my wife. She was beautiful and amazing in countless ways”
“I did not kill my wife,” he said. “I will continue to fight for my innocence as long as the Lord allows me to, as I did not kill my wife.”
Flynn also sobbed earlier in his statements when he spoke about regretting not being able to be there as his girls grow up.
“You both are my greatest joy in this life,” Flynn said in court. “Please know your daddy is so proud of you and loves you beyond what words can describe … I have so many thoughts and dreams of raising you to grow up to be mighty women of God but unfortunately I can’t.”
Flynn, a music pastor at a church in Ohio, also addressed his devoted parents and brother in court as he wept.
Prosecutor Paul Watkins claimed after Flynn carried out the killing he “immediately introduced an unknown intruder into the story and attempted to transform himself from Ashley’s killer into another supposed victim.”
Five victims were slated to address the judge, which impact statements that kicked off from Ashley’s sister, Kayla Keyt.
Keyt said just the other day, “One of Ashley’s daughters was laying beside me sobbing into my shoulder, as they both often do, because she missed her mommy and could not understand how her own father could have done this to all of us.”
“Then she looked at me and asked ‘Why should I even believe in Jesus if he allowed this to happen to us.”
