'American Idol' Contestant Caleb Flynn Sentenced to Life in Prison Without Parole for Wife's Murder | Just Jared

Former American Idol contestant Caleb Flynn has been sentenced after being found guilty of murdering his wife Ashley Flynn.

The 40-year-old former music pastor was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole on Monday (October 5) in Ohio.

The sentencing comes less than a week after a jury found Caleb guilty on all nine counts against him.

Caleb Flynn maintains his innocence at sentencing

Before learning his sentence, Caleb addressed the court and became emotional while speaking about his two daughters and Ashley.

He apologized for his lies and other actions that caused his family pain, but continued to maintain that he did not kill his wife.

“I have unfortunately lied about a lot of things over the last couple of years, but as I stand here before God, who is my ultimate judge, I am not lying,” he said, according to ABC News. “I did not kill my wife.”

Caleb added that he plans to continue fighting to prove his innocence. His attorney previously said that they expected to appeal the conviction.

Last month, Caleb was found guilty of aggravated murder, three counts of murder, two counts of felonious assault and three counts of tampering with evidence in connection with Ashley‘s killing.

Ashley, 37, was shot twice in the head at the couple’s home in Tipp City, Ohio, on February 16.

Prosecutors argued during the trial that Caleb killed his wife and staged the scene to look like an intruder had broken into their home. They also argued that his affair with another woman was part of his motive.

Among the evidence presented at trial were messages between Caleb and the woman with whom he was having an affair. In one message sent the night before Ashley‘s killing, he wrote, “I choose you. I’m free. Actions will come tomorrow.”

Caleb appeared on Season 12 of American Idol in 2013. He received a golden ticket to Hollywood, but was eliminated early in the competition.

We previously reported on Caleb being found guilty on all counts in Ashley‘s murder.

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