The grief-stricken family of the Ohio teacher who was allegedly shot dead by her former “American Idol” contestant husband said they “trust” police got the killer.
Relatives of Ashley Flynn, who was gunned down in her Tipp City residence at around 2:30 am Monday while her two daughters slept, have spoken out for the first time since her husband Caleb Flynn, was accused of her killing.
“Our family believes this arrest was made carefully and not without serious consideration,” loved ones wrote in a statement, according to Fox News Digital.
“After speaking with both local police and federal authorities, we trust the proper steps were taken and the process is being handled appropriately.”
Investigators say that Caleb Flynn, 39, who appeared on season 12 of the singing competition television series, allegedly fatally shot Ashley, 37, and staged the crime as a fatal home invasion.
Caleb allegedly called 911 to report that his wife was shot during a burglary and said he was terrified the culprit could still be inside, according to court documents.
Responding cops found signs of forced entry, sparking an extensive search with drones and police dogs.
But detectives came to believe Caleb’s story was bogus — and they arrested the former church music pastor late Thursday night.
The suspect was booked into Miami County Jail and he was charged with murder, along with two counts each of felonious assault with a deadly weapon and tampering with evidence, according to Fox New Digital.
He pleaded not guilty during his arraignment on Friday during a tearful appearance in which he begged a judge to believe he was “not a risk.” His bond was set at $2 million.
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Ashley was a substitute teacher for Tipp City Schools and a volleyball coach. Caleb gushed over her when he appeared on “American Idol” in 2013.
“I absolutely love the Lord. I love my wife more than anything. She is very, very pretty. … I love her,” Caleb Flynn said, Fox News Digital noted.
Ashley’s family told the outlet that she brought “endless light into our world” and asked for privacy during this difficult time.
“We are clinging to our faith — just as Ashley did each and every day,” they wrote.
The post has contacted Ashley’s family for comment.
