Prosecutors wrapped their fourth day of testimony Wednesday in the murder trial of former American Idol contestant and pastor Caleb Flynn, with the day’s spotlight on his former mistress, Alleigha Botner. Flynn, 40, is charged with aggravated murder, murder, felonious assault, tampering with evidence, and witness intimidation in connection with the February death of his wife, 37-year-old Ashley Flynn, who was found dead in their Tipp City, Ohio home. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges and, under the law, remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
How the Affair Began
Botner testified that she met Caleb Flynn in the summer of 2022 at the Christian Life Center, where he served as a worship pastor. She said she didn’t initially realize he was married because he wasn’t wearing a wedding ring. According to her testimony, the two began a romantic relationship in March 2024, bonding early on over a shared love of Harry Potter — a connection they marked by getting matching lightning-bolt tattoos. Botner said she placed hers on her arm, while Flynn had his tattooed in his armpit specifically so his wife wouldn’t see it.
Botner testified that she knew from the start that Flynn was married, and said he told her Ashley had cheated on him and that the two remained together only for their children’s sake. According to her account, Flynn repeatedly told her he intended to leave Ashley, and she said she came to see herself as his future wife.
She also testified that Ashley discovered messages between them on two separate occasions, prompting the pair to move their communication to third-party apps like WhatsApp to avoid detection.
Alleged Statements About Wanting Ashley Dead
According to Botner’s testimony, Flynn expressed negative feelings about his wife almost daily throughout their affair. “He would say he hated her, that he wanted her dead, he would say so many awful things,” she testified, adding that she made similar comments back to him during those exchanges. She said the two referred to Ashley using derogatory names during those conversations.
Botner testified that Flynn brought up wanting Ashley out of his life at least weekly, and allegedly said he would kill her if he could find a way to do it without going to prison. Prosecutors have previously presented a text they say Flynn sent Botner: “If I could literally kill her and not go to hell, I would do it in a heartbeat. That is how dark and how hateful I feel.”
Botner also testified that she gave Flynn multiple deadlines to leave his wife, which she said he repeatedly failed to meet, citing concern about hurting his daughters. In January 2026, she told him it was “his last chance” before she moved on, she testified, and the two stopped communicating until February 14 — two days before Ashley’s death. Prosecutors say that hours before the killing, Flynn texted Botner: “I choose you. I’m free. Actions will come tomorrow, February 16, a day I’ll never forget.”
Prosecutors allege Flynn killed his wife and then called 911 in an attempt to stage the scene as a burglary.
“I Hate Him”: Botner’s Feelings Now
Asked how she feels about Flynn today, Botner testified simply: “I hate him.” When a prosecutor asked why her feelings had changed, she said: “Because I believe that he murdered his wife.”
How Investigators Found Out About the Affair
A Dayton police detective assigned to an FBI task force testified that investigators first learned about Botner after speaking with Ashley’s aunt and two of her friends. An FBI special agent testified that Botner was not initially truthful with investigators, first denying she’d had a sexual relationship with Flynn. According to the agent, investigators had recovered a message from Ashley’s phone suggesting a contentious relationship between Ashley and Botner, and had also interviewed a friend Ashley had confided in about suspected infidelity. The agent testified Botner was “far more truthful” during a second interview, conducted with an attorney present.
Under cross-examination, a detective acknowledged that investigators did not search Botner’s vehicle, and the FBI agent testified that Botner did not identify a burner phone during her interview.
Ashley’s Family Takes the Stand
Several members of Ashley Flynn’s family also testified this week. Her mother, Jill Smith, described her daughter as her best friend, saying the two spoke every day. Recalling the moment she learned of her daughter’s death, Smith testified through emotion about her other daughter, Alyssa, saying amid the shock: “I don’t know how, and I don’t know why, but I know God’s got a plan, and He’s going to work this for good.”
Smith said her first impression of Flynn had been positive, recalling family trips the two had shared together.
Ashley’s sister, Kayla Keyt, who now has custody of the couple’s children, testified that she initially told police they had “the wrong guy” because she trusted Flynn, saying she “could not even fathom” that he was having an affair.
Ashley’s father, Todd Smith, testified that after his daughter’s death he remembered searching online whether “a Christian man can snap and kill his wife.” He also recalled noticing that the family’s dogs weren’t reacting as though a stranger had been in the house. Smith testified that when he arrived at the scene, Flynn told him, “I’m sorry.”
What’s Next in the Trial
Botner’s testimony is part of the prosecution’s case against Flynn, and her statements remain allegations presented in court rather than established fact — the defense will have the opportunity to cross-examine her and present its own evidence. Botner is scheduled to return to the stand Thursday as the trial, which has been streamed online by Court TV, continues.
