Pastor speaks out about former American Idol student’s wife mu:::rde::::r as husband faces charges: “Normally he was a very kind and helpful person…”

Ashley Flynn was found fatally shot in her Ohio home last week

Ashley Flynn and Caleb Flynn (left); and Caleb Flynn.Credit : Ashley Flynn/Facebook; Miami County Sheriff’s Office

The pastor of the church where the slain wife of an American Idol alum worshiped has released a statement after her killing last week.

Ashley Flynn, 37, was found deceased after police responded to a report of a burglary at her Tipp City, Ohio, home on Feb. 16.

Her husband, former American Idol contestant Caleb Flynn, who reported the burglary, was arrested days later on murder charges.

Ashley was a beloved volleyball coach, teacher and dedicated mom who was very devoted to her religion, according to statements shared by her family and loved ones after her death.

Jordan Paul Hansen, the pastor of Ashley’s church Christian Life Center, released a statement on Friday, Feb. 20, expressing the shock and grief the community is feeling following Caleb’s arrest the previous evening.

Ashley’s “absence is deeply felt throughout our church family,” Hansen wrote in the message that resonated with several followers of the congregation.

“As the events surrounding this tragedy continue to unfold, we join you in the shock, sadness, and unanswered questions many are experiencing,” Hansen wrote.

Ashley’s family has set up a GoFundMe to assist her daughters.

Ashley Flynn.Ashley Flynn/Facebook

Caleb was arrested on Thursday on charges of murder, two counts of felonious assault and two counts of tampering with evidence, according to online court records reviewed by PEOPLE.

It wasn’t immediately clear what led to his arrest. Ashley’s family has said in a statement to Fox News they believe Caleb’s arrest was “made carefully and not without serious consideration.”

Caleb has pleaded not guilty to all charges, online court records show.

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Caleb had participated briefly in the 12th season of American Idol; in an interview with the program in 2013, he said what made him unique was his religion and his “very, very pretty wife” who he loved “more than anything.”

If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or go to thehotline.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.