Former 'American Idol' Contestant Caleb Flynn Stands Trial for Murdering His Wife

A former "American Idol" contestant is on trial for allegedly murdering his wife in their bed and staging the scene to look like a break-in. Caleb Flynn's trial began Thursday in Miami County, Ohio, and is expected to last about two weeks.

Ashley Flynn, 37, a middle school volleyball coach and substitute teacher, was shot twice in the head in the early morning hours of February 16 at the couple's Tipp City, Ohio home. Caleb Flynn, a former worship pastor, called 911 to report that an intruder had broken in and killed his wife while he was in their daughters' bedroom. He was arrested three days later and held on a $3.5 million bond.

Prosecutors say Flynn had been having a years-long affair, exchanging more than 100,000 messages with his mistress in the year before Ashley's death. The night before the murder, prosecutors say, he texted her: "I choose you. I'm free. Actions will come tomorrow, February 16, a day I'll never forget."

Flynn has pleaded not guilty to aggravated murder, murder, felonious assault, tampering with evidence, and intimidation of a witness, attorney or victim in a criminal case. Miami County prosecutor Paul Watkins laid out the texting evidence in his opening statement Friday.

Flynn auditioned for the 12th season of "American Idol" in 2013, telling producers his wife encouraged him to try out. "I love my wife more than anything. She's very, very pretty, just — woof, I love her," he said at the time. He went on to work as a worship pastor and was described by his community as a talented church leader.

The trial, presided over by Judge Jeannine Pratt, is expected to run about two weeks. Flynn's defense attorney is Patrick Mulligan.