A former contestant from ‘American Idol,’ Caleb Flynn, is on trial for allegedly murdering his wife. Prosecutors claim incriminating text messages between Flynn and his mistress show premeditated intentions.

Messages Reveal Alleged Intent

Flynn reportedly told his mistress he was planning ways to kill his wife without facing jail time. This message is part of over 100,000 texts exchanged in the year leading to his wife Ashley’s death on February 16, as reported by WHIO in Dayton.

I was up until 4 a.m. last night crying, literally trying to think of ways to kill her and not go to jail.

Opening statements revealed the alleged affair and messages that prosecutors say indicate Flynn’s motive and intent.

Defense Counters Circumstantial Evidence

Defense attorney Emily Smith admitted Flynn’s affair but argued that it doesn’t establish guilt for murder. The defense contends that the prosecution’s case is built on circumstantial evidence rather than direct proof.

Prosecutors allege Flynn used a 9mm handgun to kill Ashley in their Ohio home, staging the crime scene to appear as a break-in. Flynn called 911, claiming someone broke into the house and shot his wife.

Trial Evidence and Testimony

The jury saw bodycam footage showing Flynn reporting a break-in. An officer testified Flynn claimed he had been asleep before waking to sounds of intruders and gunshots. Additionally, an FBI agent described canvassing the neighborhood for evidence supporting Flynn’s account of an intruder.

Fox News legal analyst Josh Ritter commented that the defense has a challenging task ahead, as the digital evidence against Flynn is substantial.

Jurors are scheduled to continue hearing testimonies when court resumes.

Greg Wehner, a reporter for Fox News Digital, is covering this case among other significant law enforcement and public safety stories in the U.S.