Ashley Flynn’s husband arrested, charged with homicide in connection to her death
Caleb Flynn, 39, the husband of 37-year-old Ashley Flynn, was arrested and charged on Thursday with multiple felonies in connection with her death, according to the Tipp City Police Department.
The mother of two was shot and killed in the early hours of Monday morning, and the Flynn’s two children were in the home when the shooting happened, but they were not injured.
Multiple agencies, including the FBI and Ohio BCI, have been collecting evidence and investigating throughout the week.
Caleb has been charged with the following felonies:
1 count of homicide
2 counts of felonious assault
2 counts of tampering with evidence
Tipp City Police Chief Gregory Adkins said he appreciates the community’s patience and support as investigators worked on this case, calling it “complex.”
“As previously stated, the family and community deserve a thorough, professional, and compassionate investigation into this very sensitive matter. As a result of the investigation, probable cause existed to charge Caleb Flynn with the murder of his wife. Due to the ongoing nature of this case, specific investigative details will not be released at this time,” said Chief Adkins.
Adkins said the work is not done, and investigators will continue to investigate as it proceeds through the court process.
“I would like to formally recognize the hard work and dedication of all investigators involved in this case. These individuals have spent countless hours utilizing numerous resources to bring the investigation to this point,” said Adkins.
A celebration of life service has been announced for Ashley, which will be Sunday, Feb. 22, at 4 p.m. at Christian Life Center in Dayton.
Lauren Smith, a psychology adjunct instructor from Cedarville University, spoke with Dayton 24/7 Now about what the Flynn children may be experiencing and how people should support them.
“Oftentimes, children are not only mourning the loss of somebody that they love and struggling with that grief, they’re also having to make sense of a world that all of a sudden doesn’t feel as safe to them,” said Smith. “Be present with them. Be in the loss with them. Let them know that they’re not alone, and that their community will rally around them.”
Since Ashley was a teacher and volleyball coach, this is hitting many people in the small town of Tipp City hard.
Smith gave advice on how parents should speak to their children about this tragedy.
“Each parent is an expert at where their child is at, developmentally, and what they can handle hearing about the details of this case,” said Smith. “Communicating facts honestly, but safely, figuring out what needs to be shared and what doesn’t need to be shared. Having those conversations in a really safe and supportive way.”
Smith said to find out what resources are available from your child’s school to assist both you and them.
Dayton 24/7 Now reached out to the Miami County Prosecutor’s Office to find out if a press conference will be held on Friday, but did not hear back as of when this story was published.
Christian mom, teacher shot in Ohio home as newly released 911 log sheds light on frantic response: report
The husband of a Christian teacher who was shot and killed in her home while her children were asleep made the 911 call alerting authorities.
According to police dispatch logs obtained by News Center 7, authorities responded to reports of a burglary at Ashley and Caleb Flynn’s Tipp City, Ohio, home in the early morning hours of Monday, Feb. 16.
“Someone broke into the RP [reporting person’s] house, unknown if they are still there. Garage door is open,” the dispatcher said. “There was apparently a female shot in the head. Is not responding currently.
AD
“Squad is en route; they aren’t staged yet. Are they good to respond in?” the dispatcher asked.
“Yes, one person only,” a first responder replied, according to the outlet.
AD
On Monday, investigators told News Center 7 that only Ashley, Caleb and their two children were inside the home when someone broke in.
The person who called 911 told dispatchers there were kids in the home.
“RP and juvenile daughter are locked in a bedroom,” the dispatcher told police, according to the outlet. “Just a correction — the juveniles are going to be in their own rooms asleep currently.”
Authorities responded to reports of a burglary at Ashley and Caleb Flynn’s Tipp City, Ohio, home in the early morning hours of Monday, Feb. 16.Facebook / Ashley Flynn
Caleb and Ashley Flynn before the deadly burglary killed Ashley.Facebook / Ashley Flynn
On Thursday, Tipp City Chief Greg Adkins pushed back against reports that a suspect was in custody and had confessed to Ashley’s murder.
“This information is false and was never released by the Tipp City Police Department, the City of Tipp City or any collaborating law enforcement partners,” he said.
“The Flynn family is coping with an unimaginable loss, and the department will not try this case in the media. This matter will be resolved through the judicial process and adjudicated in a court of law.”
On Monday, investigators told News Center 7 that only Ashley, Caleb and their two children were inside the home when someone broke in.Facebook / Ashley Flynn
AD
Investigators enter the family’s home after the shooting.WHIO TV
AD
The department previously shared that the FBI and local police, including the Miami County Sheriff’s Office and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, are assisting in the investigation.
“We believe that this was an isolated incident targeting this specific residence,” Adkins told Fox News Digital Wednesday. “No information at this time to believe the public is in any danger. The investigation will continue until we can provide all the answers to the family and community.”
AD
As of Thursday afternoon, no suspects had been identified by police. Autopsy results are pending.
A tribute made for Ashley Flynn after she was killed.Tipp City Schools
As of Thursday afternoon, no suspects had been identified by police. Autopsy results are pending.Facebook / Ashley Flynn
Ashley Flynn’s husband, Caleb, was an “American Idol” contestant, and shared his love for his wife during an interview for the show.
“I absolutely love the Lord. I love my wife more than anything. She is very, very pretty. … I love her,” Caleb said in a 2013 Hometown Interview segment for the hit competition show. “But, you know, I’m just a normal person who absolutely loves to sing more than anything in the world.”
“She was known for her beautiful smile, warmth, kindness and the positive impact she had on so many — both in and out of the classroom and on the court,” the school district said.AD
Christian Life Center in Butler Township also described Flynn as a beloved member of the church.
In a statement, Pastor Jordan Hansen said she was “murdered in her home” and asked for prayers for her husband, two daughters and extended family.
“Ashley Flynn is with Jesus. Please pray for her husband and two daughters and extended family left behind. Please pray for [the] ongoing investigation. Please pray for God’s very presence to bring comfort to an unfathomable situation,” he said in a Facebook post. “We need Jesus and His grace in the ‘What now?’”
Anyone with information or video footage that may assist investigators is encouraged to contact the Tipp City Police Department at 937-667-3112 or the Miami County Communications Center at 937-440-9911.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the FBI for comment. Tipp City is located in western Ohio, approximately 20 miles north of Dayton.
