Search Efforts for Missing Handgun
Former ‘American Idol’ contestant Caleb Flynn’s missing handgun triggered a thorough search by investigators. They scoured storm drains using a high-powered magnet, checked underneath vehicles, and searched through attic insulation. These efforts were made during Flynn’s murder trial in Ohio.
Detective Adam Bernard testified about the search’s extent on Monday. Despite exhaustive efforts, the gun allegedly used by Flynn to kill his wife Ashley Flynn was never found. Flynn is accused of shooting his wife inside their home on February 16, attempting to stage the scene as a break-in. He pleaded not guilty to aggravated murder and other charges.
Detailed Investigation Described
Detective Bernard described the lengths investigators went to search for the weapon in the days following Ashley Flynn’s death. Police initially focused on the backyard and nearby wooded areas before turning their attention underground. They searched storm drains across several streets using a high-powered magnet.
Investigators even entered culverts with flashlights after sweeping pipes with the magnet. The search yielded no results. Further efforts involved inspecting vehicles from the Flynn home lifted for examination underneath, but this too resulted in nothing found.
Police rented equipment to remove attic insulation while searching for the gun. Attempts to trace Flynn’s firearm purchase history were made after Flynn claimed to have bought a gun in South Carolina. Detective Bernard contacted nearly two dozen gun stores for records, seeking details like the make, model, and serial number, but no firearm linked to Flynn or Ashley was identified.
Autopsy Reveals Close-Range Shooting
Forensic pathologist Dr. Bryan Casto presented details from Ashley Flynn’s autopsy, revealing two gunshot wounds to the back of her head. He explained that the entrance wounds overlapped and the bullets traveled parallel paths. One bullet exited her head and later reentered through her left arm near the elbow.
Dr. Casto suggested Ashley was shot at close range but was unsure of the exact distance. The pathologist concluded Ashley died from multiple gunshot wounds to the head.
Analysis of Alleged Break-In
Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) crime scene investigators detailed evidence collected throughout the Flynn home to suggest the supposed break-in was staged.
A BCI crime scene technician, experienced with 20 to 30 forced-entry doors, testified about the damage to the side garage door. She noted it differed from typical forced entries, with damage occurring on the inside.
Flynn’s defense challenged these findings during cross-examination. They highlighted the inability to determine when the door damage happened and the absence of a blood-spatter analysis.
Defense Challenges and Tips Investigated
The defense questioned Bernard about tips received after the incident, including one alleging a hit. Bernard stated he transferred these tips to the FBI for follow-up, although he did not know if the particular claim was investigated.
The judge overruled defense attempts to explore specific claims from the caller during the trial.
Exchange of Messages With Mistress
Prosecutors presented evidence about messages Flynn exchanged with his mistress. Bernard testified about a search warrant on Microsoft, producing 107,655 lines of data from Flynn’s email. These records were accepted into evidence despite defense objections.