The murder trial of former “American Idol” contestant Caleb Flynn entered its second day Friday in Troy, Ohio, with prosecutors presenting more than 100,000 text messages exchanged between Flynn and a woman prosecutors identify as his mistress in the year before his wife’s death. Flynn has pleaded not guilty to charges including aggravated murder, murder, felonious assault and tampering with evidence.

Ashley Flynn, 37, was fatally shot at the couple’s Tipp City home on Feb. 16, 2026. Their two daughters were inside the home at the time. Prosecutors allege Caleb killed his wife and then attempted to make the shooting appear to have been carried out by an intruder.

Among the messages presented by prosecutors were statements in which Flynn expressed intense hostility toward his wife and discussed killing her. Prosecutors also pointed to messages sent shortly before Ashley's death, including one in which Flynn wrote, “I choose you,” followed by a reference to Feb. 16 as a day he would never forget.

Flynn called 911 after the shooting and reported that someone had broken into the home and shot his wife. Authorities later focused their investigation on Flynn, and prosecutors contend the evidence did not support the presence of an outside intruder. He was arrested three days after Ashley's death and has maintained his not-guilty plea.

The defense is expected to argue that the messages do not establish that Flynn actually carried out a murder. His attorneys have pointed to the absence of certain physical evidence and have challenged the investigation, arguing that statements made during a troubled marriage are not necessarily proof of criminal action.

Flynn appeared on the 12th season of “American Idol” in 2013, where he spoke publicly about his relationship with Ashley. He later worked as a music pastor in Ohio. The prosecution's case is expected to include additional digital and forensic evidence as the trial continues.