Arabic version: الحكم بالسجن المؤبد على كاليب فلين لقتله زوجته

According to ABC News, former Ohio music pastor and American Idol contestant Caleb Flynn has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for murdering his wife, Ashley Flynn.

Flynn, 40, was convicted after prosecutors said he staged a home invasion in February and claimed that a burglar had shot Ashley Flynn while she was asleep. Prosecutors said he wanted out of the marriage while having an affair. Ashley Flynn, 37, was a schoolteacher, volleyball coach and mother of two.

Judge Jeannine Pratt said Flynn used his Christian faith to manipulate others and showed no remorse, describing his conduct as involving “layers of deceit, manipulation and cruelty”. Before sentencing, Flynn tearfully apologised to his family, beginning with his two daughters, who were home when their mother was shot. He accepted responsibility for his words and decisions but maintained that he was innocent.

Flynn told the court that, before God as his “ultimate judge”, he was not lying when he said he did not kill his wife. He did not testify during the trial. Prosecutors said fingerprints and DNA linked him to the scene, while his devices showed him moving around the house despite his claim that he had been asleep.

Flynn’s former mistress, Alleigha Botner, testified that he had said he hated his wife and had thoughts of killing her. Prosecutors also cited a text message sent to Botner the night before the shooting: “I choose you. I’m free. Actions will come tomorrow.” The jury found Flynn guilty of multiple counts, including murder, felonious assault and tampering with evidence.