Ashley Flynn: American Idol to Murder (Happening Now) // 587

Summary

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Going West: True Crime

Episode 587: Ashley Flynn: American Idol to Murder (Happening Now)
Hosts: Daphne Woolsoncroft & Heath Merryman
Release Date: March 3, 2026

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Episode Overview

In this “happening now” episode, Daphne and Heath cover the shocking and heartbreaking murder of Ashley Flynn, a 37-year-old teacher and mother of two from Tipp City, Ohio. The case has garnered nationwide headlines, not only due to its senseless violence, but also because the accused is Ashley’s husband, Caleb Flynn—who once auditioned for “American Idol.” The hosts break down the timeline of events, key evidence, and community reactions, while also challenging the media frenzy around Caleb's “American Idol” background.

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Key Discussion Points & Timeline

1. Intro & Context: Ohio in Crisis

• Ohio as a Hotspot:

  • Daphne notes that this is the third “happening now” case from Ohio covered by the show in the past month and a half. (01:50)
  • Heath jokes, “Ohio. Are you guys okay?” (01:50)

• Case Teaser:

  • Ashley's murder quickly gained attention, largely because of Caleb’s past brush with national TV as an “American Idol” contestant.

2. The Victim & Background

• Ashley Flynn:

  • Born Feb 24, 1988. Raised near Dayton, OH.
  • Graduated from Tippecanoe High in 2006, then Lee University (TN) for teaching.
  • Described as community-oriented: substitute teacher, girls volleyball coach, Lifewise Academy Bible teacher, and mother of two. (04:13 onwards)

• Family Life & Marriage:

  • Met Caleb at Lee University. Caleb, two years her senior, studied pastoral/music ministry—continued family legacy of church service.
  • After graduation, moved to Ohio; Caleb worked as worship arts pastor.

• Caleb Flynn’s Musical and Professional Past:

  • Born May 13, 1986 in Minnesota.
  • Auditioned for Season 12 of “American Idol,” earned a golden ticket but did not make it far or appear in televised auditions. (06:48–11:18)
  • Eventually left formal church leadership for a career as a life insurance agent, then vice president at Ashley’s father’s family business.

Notable Quote

• Caleb on his TV appearance (from a hometown interview):
  • “The person that inspires me to be... would say the Lord. I’m a music pastor... I absolutely love the Lord. I love my wife more than anything. She is very, very pretty.” (08:59; relayed in show at 09:40–10:03)

3. Events Leading to the Murder

• Valentine’s Weekend 2026:
  • Saturday, Feb 14: Caleb and Ashley spent Valentine's.
  • Sunday, Caleb led music at church.
  • Early Monday Feb 16 (Presidents’ Day, 2:31am): Caleb calls 911, reporting that his wife was shot in bed. Their two daughters were in the home, asleep. (15:45–16:17)

4. Breaking Down the 911 Call & Suspicious Circumstances

• Extensive analysis of the 911 call:
  • Played on the show in its entirety. (16:17–22:31)
  • General sentiment: The call sounds "phony," with unusual details (exact number of gunshots, inconsistent claims about where Caleb was when it happened, contradictory behavior about checking on the kids).

Notable Quote

• Daphne, after playing the call:

  • “This is the phoniest call we’ve ever played on this show, in my opinion.” (22:31)

• Key Points of Suspicion:

  • Caleb’s claim he was in his daughters’ room “when it happened,” even though they were asleep. (26:15, 26:19)
  • Stated he checked on them, then admits he hasn’t actually seen them post-shooting.
  • Apparent staging: Caleb repeatedly points to a “garage door left open” as the point of entry, but never describes seeing a perpetrator.

• Hosts' Analysis:

  • Point out inconsistencies, e.g., if Caleb could notice “two shots” in the dark, “blood everywhere,” then describe Ashley as “white as a ghost”—details feel rehearsed or staged. (23:13–24:33)
  • Suspicious that the kids were not woken or injured in a small house after two gunshots.

5. Crime Scene & Investigation

• Scene Details:

  • Ashley found dead, shot in bed, possibly while sleeping.
  • Two shell casings found on bedroom floor at foot of the bed.
  • Side garage door open, obstructed by fridge—would require moving the appliance to enter.
  • Caleb’s 9mm handgun usually kept in center console of his Ford truck—missing.

• Police Response:

  • Caleb voluntarily agrees to be interviewed at the police station that morning.
  • Firearm identified as the murder weapon matches Caleb’s gun.
  • By February 19, Caleb arrested and charged.

6. Charges and Legal Progress

• List of Charges:

  • Murder, aggravated murder, felony murder, two counts of felonious assault, two counts of intimidation of a witness, obstructing justice, two counts of tampering with evidence. (37:15–38:35)
  • Police allege scene was staged to look like an intruder was responsible.
  • Mention of possibly intimidating his daughters as witnesses.

• Ashley’s Family Statement:

  • “Our family believes this arrest was made carefully and not without serious consideration... we trust the proper steps were taken and the process is being handled appropriately. We kindly ask for privacy as we work through this complex situation. We are clinging to our faith, just as Ashley did each and every day.” (46:43)

7. Search for Motive: Affair Speculation, Texts, and Community Gossip

• Extensive Texting with 23-year-old Worship Leader:

  • Leaked court docs cite “extensive communication” between Caleb and a younger woman from his church.
  • Community suspicion: staff directory removed from church website to stop social media accusations.

• Text at 12:42am:

  • Caleb allegedly texts “it’s almost done” to the unidentified woman the night of the murder. (42:40–43:23)
    • Heath: “That’s some pretty damning shit.”

• Previous Infidelity Rumors:

  • Multiple reports from Caleb’s previous church in South Carolina that he had an affair, left his position, and returned to Ohio.

• No Actual Evidence Released Yet:

  • Hosts stress that the connection to the younger woman is at present rumor, though it’s being widely discussed online.

8. Physical Evidence & Arrest

• No Signs of Forced Entry:

  • Caleb’s gun reportedly found (according to rumors) buried under their backyard shed, though this not yet officially confirmed. (45:23)
  • No other vehicles captured on cameras around the time of the murder.

• Arrest and Detainment:

  • Caleb pleads not guilty, held on $2M bond. Preliminary hearing scheduled for March 26 after delay.

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Notable Quotes & Moments

On Media Sensationalism:

• “The biggest reason we’re putting American Idol in the header of this episode is so that it’s recognizable to you guys... Even though… that was like, hardly as big a deal as it’s being made to seem.”
  — Daphne (07:00)

On Listening to the 911 Call:

• “I often find these calls kind of hard to listen to sometimes. I feel fooled by them because people can be such good actors. But holy shit, this is the phoniest call we’ve ever played on this show, in my opinion.”
  — Daphne (22:31)

On Ashley’s Family Response to Arrest:

• “Our family believes this arrest was made carefully and not without serious consideration... We kindly ask for privacy as we work through this complex situation. We are clinging to our faith, just as Ashley did each and every day.”
  — Obituary/Statement, read by Daphne (46:43)

On Rumors of Motive:

• “If the motive was an affair, like, it’s just—you… I always say, like, just get a divorce.”
  — Daphne (49:16–49:25)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Background & Case Intro: 01:41–04:13
• Marriage & Career History: 04:13–12:09
• “American Idol” Details & Media: 06:48–11:31
• 911 Call Analysis: 16:17–22:31
• Crime Scene and Forensics: 33:25–37:15
• Charges & Arrest: 37:15–38:35
• Affair/Motive Theories: 39:47–43:23
• Physical Evidence Discovery: 43:26–45:42
• Ashley's Family Reaction: 46:43
• Hosts' Reflection & Socials: 48:44–50:10

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Tone & Final Thoughts

• The hosts maintain their trademark mix of down-to-earth true crime narration and critical skepticism, especially regarding media sensationalism and online rumor-mongering.
• They strongly emphasize Ashley’s community role, the tragedy for her daughters, and the need to separate fact from speculation while acknowledging the deep pain for the family and the community.
• Both Heath and Daphne urge listeners not to harass or accuse the unidentified woman tied to Caleb, barring actual evidence.
• The episode ends with a heartfelt reminder of the double loss experienced by the children in cases like this, and a call for anyone with relevant info to contact the Tipp City Police Department.

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For updates, follow Going West on Instagram and other socials. Anyone with information about Ashley Flynn’s murder is urged to contact Tipp City Police at 937-667-3112.

Transcript

[Daphne]

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[Heath]

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[Heath]

What is going on? True crime fans, I'm your host, he.

[Daphne]

And I'm your host, Daphne.

[Heath]

And you're listening to Going West.

[Daphne]

Hello everybody. So many of you guys sent us this case. We have been on it for the last couple weeks since it happened. Because it has only been two weeks since it happened.

[Heath]

But I gotta say, Ohio. Are you guys okay?

[Daphne]

No, seriously, this is the third Happening now case that we have covered in the past like month. Right. Or a little over a month. Month and a half.

[Heath]

Ish.

[Daphne]

That takes place in Ohio.

[Heath]

Exactly. I'm kind of concerned for you guys over there.

[Daphne]

Yeah, this one has a really big headline because of the American Idol stuff. But we're going to get all into that and every single detail that is available as of the time this episode drops. So thank you guys for tuning in. And without further ado.

[Heath]

Alright guys, this is episode 587 of Going West. So let's get into it. Former American Idol contestant accused of murdering a 37 year old teacher and mother of two, Ashley Flynn. Investigators say officers first rushed to the couple's Tip City home 2:30 in the morning last Monday after a 911 call from Caleb reporting what he claimed was a home invasion.

[911 Caller (Caleb Flynn)]

Somebody broke into my home. Somebody broke into my home.

[Daphne]

In February of 2026 in the middle of the night, a 37 year old woman was found shot to death in her bed after her husband called 911 for a rather strange conversation. Within days, an arrest was made, shocking the community and country at large. This is the murder of Ashley Flynn.

[Caleb Flynn]

Sorry, I just want to take care of my daughters. I'm not at.

[911 Operator]

Foreign.

[Daphne]

Ashley Flynn was born on February 24, 1988 and raised with her sister in Tip City, Ohio, which is just north of Dayton, Ohio. She graduated from Tippecanoe high school in 2006 and then headed off to Lee University, which is a private Christian college in Tennessee with an interest in becoming a teacher, earning her bachelor's degree in 2010 because she was extremely community oriented and loved helping people, which is why she eventually went on to coach girls volleyball at Tippecanoe Middle School and work as an elementary school teacher. But most recently to this story, she was working as a substitute teacher for Tipp City Schools and still coaching for girls volleyball, all while she raised her two daughters. So let's dive into her family life a little bit now. During college, she began dating a man named Caleb Flynn. He's two years older than her. He was also attending Lee University, which is where they met. And shortly after she graduated, while Ashley was In her early 20s, they got married. Caleb Flynn was born on May 13, 1986 and grew up in Minnesota. He attended Bram Area High School in the very small city of Bram, current population about 1700 and it's one hour north of Minneapolis. And there he was a starting guard for the 2004 and 2005 state championship basketball team at his high school. So then, like I said, he went on to attend Lee University for pastoral and music ministry until 2010. Now, this was always a passion of his because his grandfather and his father were both pastors, so, you know, ran in the family. But Caleb wanted to combine this interest with his big music dreams as well. So right after graduating, he and Ashley moved to her native Ohio and Caleb began working as a worship arts pastor at Living Word Church in the city of Vandalia, which, like Tip City is just outside of Daytona. So together they moved back to Ashley's hometown. Actually, she graduated a semester before him in college and got a job back in Ohio. So that is the main reason that they moved there together while building their lives as newlyweds. Caleb actually auditioned for season 12 of American Idol in Chicago, Illinois, when the show was hosted by Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj, Randy Jackson, and Keith Urban.

[Heath]

Yeah. And that is kind of what this whole case is surrounded kind of around that headline. It's like, American idol contestant, like, blah, blah, blah. And it's like, okay, we're gonna get into it.

[Daphne]

Which obviously the header of our episode. I mean, to be honest, the biggest reason we're putting American idol in the header of this episode is so that it's recognizable to you guys. So, you know, this is that case because.

[Heath]

Right, because that's what everybody's talking about.

[Daphne]

Yeah. And, you know, we follow current events religiously. I'm sure a lot of you guys do too. So that, unfortunately, is what this case is becoming known for. Even though, as we're about to describe that was like, hardly, I guess, as big as a deal as it's being made to seem. But anyway, let's just get into it. So originally he sent a video audition of him singing Lean on me by Bill withers in August of 2013, and then producers called him. Now, in an interview with the county news review of Minnesota, Caleb explained, I was at a birthday party on a Thursday night when I got a call from American Idol. He told me they liked what they heard and said I had to be in Chicago on Saturday. I had actually let the call go to voicemail because I didn't recognize the phone number. But then as I listened to it, I turned to my wife and then put the call on speakerphone. It was a complete shock.

[Heath]

And actually Ashley was there with him when he won the judges over with grenade by Bruno Mars. As one of 18 of the 100 auditions who received a golden ticket to Hollywood, Caleb added, quote, when I finished, Randy Jackson said it was good stuff. Mariah Carey said it uplifted her spirits. Keith Urban said that it was really cool. And Nicki Minaj nodded her head and said that it was really nice. I got all four yeses from the judges and obviously not to harp on the American idol stuff too much, especially because he was, like, barely on the show. But this gives some insight into who he appeared to be on the outside, which is this God loving good boy, if you will. And here's a clip of him on the show where he even briefly talks about his wife, Ashley.

[Caleb Flynn]

My name is Caleb Flynn. I'm from Tipp City. Ohio. I audition because I'm sure everybody says it, but music is all I know. It's what I lived to do, and I love to sing, so that's why I auditioned. Maybe my wife kind of nudged me a little bit, too. My first thought when I got my golden ticket, honestly, all I could do was cover my face because I cried a little bit. I'm kind of a crybaby. I get it from my mom and my dad, but it was honestly just pure joy, excitement. I tried out for American Idol two or three years ago, and I didn't make it. And so to get this was awesome. The more sweeter and all the more meaningful, so it was awesome. The person that inspires me to be informer, I guess, would say. Would say the Lord. I'm a music pastor, and so that's my job every week, is to go up there and to sing and to connect what I do on stage to the congregation. So first and foremost, obviously, is the Lord thing that makes me unique. You know, I absolutely love the Lord. I love my wife more than anything. She is very, very pretty.

[Heath]

Just.

[Caleb Flynn]

I love her. But, you know, I'm just a normal person who absolutely loves to sing more than anything in the world. And I think I have a different sound in my voice. I have something to offer. My favorite past Idol contestant would probably be Carrie Underwood. She's just absolutely incredible. Love her attitude and just her passion for. For what she does. And I promise you, if my wife dyed her hair blonde, she would look just like her. I'm the next American Idol because, you know, I can honestly say one thing about me is I love to learn. And so if I hear something that I can do differently or do something that make myself better, I'm gonna do everything I can to do it. And so if the judges tell me this is what's gonna help, I'm gonna do it. And I work harder than anybody I know, and so when I want something, I'm going to go after it.

[Daphne]

Interesting.

[Heath]

Yeah. To say the least. Well, he had actually first auditioned back in 2009, so four years earlier than that. But he didn't make it. And eventually, in season 12, he was eliminated before the live show. So he didn't make it very far then either.

[Daphne]

Yeah, which is why it is really funny that it's like American Idol contestant,

[Heath]

because, yeah, you were barely one.

[Daphne]

It's not like anybody any of us would know. I literally watched both episodes that of the auditions in Chicago. He's not even on the episode. So this hometown interview that we just played for you guys is the only time he was actually on tv.

[Heath]

Yeah. So definitely didn't even get to see his auditions. Well, later he said, quote, my wife, family and friends have been my biggest supporters. Now, Caleb grew up playing and listening to music with his loving family. And instead of becoming a big time musician and making albums and touring like he'd always dreamed of, he instead focused on his job as a worship arts pastor, then eventually a worship director.

[Daphne]

Yeah, and this is all happening when the American Idol flop kind of occurred. Like he's working as a worship arts pastor and then when he didn't really make it, he just continued doing that.

[Heath]

I feel like that's probably pretty common with, you know, people. They get into like worship in the church and stuff like that. So it's kind of like almost like halfway being a musician. I want to say, yeah, you're a musician, but you're also a musician like for the church.

[Daphne]

But that also feels like that was a better path for him anyway because of his family and like that was such a passion of his as well. So it's like he was still doing what he wanted to do.

[Heath]

But I will say eventually he left his pastoral aspirations behind and focused on music for fun only and started working in life and annuities. Sorry, life and annuities insurance. So interestingly, he was a life insurance agent then most recently between 2021 to now. Well, as of a couple weeks ago, he was the vice president of sales for Richard D. Smith and Sons in Tipp City, Ohio, which is a family run single source interior supplier for commercial flooring and worship interiors, which is apparently actually owned by Ashley's father.

[Daphne]

Yeah, so he like in part helps build and rebuild churches and such.

[Heath]

Yeah, like the stages and all that kind of stuff. But it is known that he was still very active in his church, which was the Christian Life center in Tip City.

[Daphne]

And before we move on from his entire work history, I thought that this was kind of ironic, so I wanted to read it. In 2014, when he was 28, somebody wrote a recommendation on his LinkedIn saying quote, very talented and passionate worship leader. A bright future awaits this young man

[Heath]

and how wrong that person turned out to be. Yeah, well let's get back to Ashley now because like Daphne said, she was a substitute teacher, a seventh grade volleyball coach and for the past year she also taught at Lifewise Academy, which is a non profit that provides like weekly Bible based lessons to public school students off campus. So it's safe to say that Ashley and Caleb were Very involved in their local Christian community. Now their two daughters are described as elementary school age. Most commonly though a couple sources claim that they're middle school age. But either way, this family of four was known to be very close to each other and also close to extended family as well. Well, in 2021, Caleb and Ashley bought a three bedroom, two bath, 1800 square foot house right there in Tip City, located at the end of a cul de sac surrounded by other homes, which is exactly where today's story takes place.

[Daphne]

Saturday, February 14th obviously was Valentine's Day. And the following morning Caleb headed to church at the Christian Life center to lead worship. Keith was saying that he really just enjoyed, you know, playing music for fun more so and the way he did this was by performing at various different churches on Sundays. That was how he explored music.

[Heath]

Sure. And I grew up in the Christian church and I remember kind of all of this. I remember the different guys that played different instruments for the church. And even at one point I had played music for the church. So it's like you did. Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Daphne]

I played a Christian rock band.

[Heath]

I did, yeah. No, it was a really shitty band. It was called TNT or Touched in Time. Oh my God. Somebody out there is listening to this episode from like my hometown and probably remembers that shitty band.

[Daphne]

That's so funny.

[Heath]

I'm so sorry. If you're listening.

[Daphne]

So at 2:31am on Monday, February 16, 2026, just a couple weeks ago, this was President's Day, Officers were dispatched to Caleb and Ashley's home after a distressing middle of the night 911 call came in. 39 year old Caleb was the one to call explaining that his wife had been shot. And because you need to hear this to believe it, here is an audio clip of that entire call.

[911 Caller (Caleb Flynn)]

Oh my God.

[911 Operator]

Miami County 911.

[911 Caller (Caleb Flynn)]

Oh my. Somebody. Somebody broke into my home. Somebody broke in my home.

[911 Operator]

Are they still in there?

[911 Caller (Caleb Flynn)]

I don't know. I don't know.

[911 Operator]

Hey, what's the address?

[911 Caller (Caleb Flynn)]

932 Court Kids City, Ohio. Please, please hurry. Please, please hurry.

[911 Operator]

What are you seeing?

[911 Caller (Caleb Flynn)]

My wife is. She's got two shots to her head. Spit blood everywhere. Oh my God. Oh my God. Oh my God. Sir, please.

[911 Operator]

Ma', am, I need you to take a deep breath, okay? Do you still see anybody in the house?

[911 Caller (Caleb Flynn)]

No. The door to the garage was wide open. Please hurry, please. Oh my God. Oh my God. Oh my God. My daughters are here. My daughters are here.

[911 Operator]

Where is she at?

[911 Caller (Caleb Flynn)]

She's in the bed. She's in the Bed.

[911 Operator]

Are you with her?

[911 Caller (Caleb Flynn)]

I am in the room. I'm looking at her. Yes, please.

[911 Operator]

You guys have the door locked?

[911 Caller (Caleb Flynn)]

We have the doors to the garage locked, but into the house? Yes, please wake up.

[911 Operator]

Great. Where is that room out in the house? My partner's getting them dispatched. Okay, but I need you to answer my questions so I can get you help as fast as I can.

[911 Caller (Caleb Flynn)]

Okay, what question?

[911 Operator]

Where are you guys at in the house?

[911 Caller (Caleb Flynn)]

I'm in the bedroom with her right now. Okay, My daughter's in their room. So you're not.

[911 Operator]

You are not with the children?

[911 Caller (Caleb Flynn)]

I was with the children when it happened.

[911 Operator]

Okay, but you're not with them now?

[911 Caller (Caleb Flynn)]

No, they're in their room. They're not even awake. Oh, my God. Oh, my God. Oh, my God. Oh, my God. Oh, my God. Sir, please, please, please.

[911 Operator]

They are heading that way. Okay, I need you to take a deep breath for me. Are you hearing anything?

[911 Caller (Caleb Flynn)]

No, I rubbed her leg and said her name. She's not answering.

[911 Operator]

Okay, your daughter's not answering you.

[911 Caller (Caleb Flynn)]

Hold on. I'm putting on my shirt. What'd you say? What'd you say?

[911 Operator]

Your daughter's not answering you.

[911 Caller (Caleb Flynn)]

No, they're in the other distance across the room. The other in their room.

[911 Operator]

Okay, are you hearing any kind of noise inside the house?

[911 Caller (Caleb Flynn)]

No, no, her face is. Oh, sir, her face is white as good. Ghost, please.

[911 Operator]

Okay, who's. Whose face?

[911 Caller (Caleb Flynn)]

My wife's face.

[911 Operator]

Your wife's face.

[911 Caller (Caleb Flynn)]

The one.

[911 Operator]

Yes.

[911 Caller (Caleb Flynn)]

The one who was shot.

[911 Operator]

She was what?

[911 Caller (Caleb Flynn)]

Shot, I said.

[911 Operator]

Okay, where was she shot at?

[911 Caller (Caleb Flynn)]

In the head. In the head, I hope. There's blood everywhere.

[911 Operator]

Okay, is she breathing?

[911 Caller (Caleb Flynn)]

I don't. No, I don't think so. Ashley. Ashley, baby. Baby, please. Oh, my God. No, she's not.

[911 Operator]

Okay, she's not responding to you.

[911 Caller (Caleb Flynn)]

No, no. Oh, my God. Oh, my God. Oh, my God.

[911 Operator]

Okay, do you see anybody in the house now?

[911 Caller (Caleb Flynn)]

No, it's pitch black and the doors are locked. The door leading to the garage door was wide open when I ran in there.

[911 Operator]

Okay, do you see any kind of vehicles?

[911 Caller (Caleb Flynn)]

No. No, wait. No, the door. There's a side door in our garage door that's open.

[911 Operator]

Okay, I need you to just take a deep breath for me, okay? They're getting to you as quick as they can. Is that door still open?

[911 Caller (Caleb Flynn)]

Yes, it is. Yes, it is.

[911 Operator]

Okay,

[911 Caller (Caleb Flynn)]

what do I do? What do I do? What do I do?

[911 Operator]

Is she breathing at all?

[911 Caller (Caleb Flynn)]

I don't.

[911 Operator]

If. If you are comfortable, I want you to go and find the cloth and I want you to Put a cloth on that gunshot wound. Okay, yes. Like a towel, but do not apply direct pressure to it. Just put it on that blood wound, okay?

[911 Caller (Caleb Flynn)]

Okay,

[911 Operator]

I need you to just take a deep breath for me, okay?

[911 Caller (Caleb Flynn)]

Okay.

[911 Operator]

Just get that cloth and I want you to put it on that wound, but don't apply direct pressure to it, okay? They're coming to you as quick as they can. Okay?

[911 Caller (Caleb Flynn)]

I just laid it on her head.

[911 Operator]

Okay. Where are the juveniles? Are they okay? Have you checked on them?

[911 Caller (Caleb Flynn)]

I haven't checked on them.

[911 Operator]

Okay, can you go check on the juveniles for me?

[911 Caller (Caleb Flynn)]

The police is here. The police is here.

[911 Operator]

Can you go check on the juveniles for me?

[911 Caller (Caleb Flynn)]

The cops just pull through this last digits left, Okay?

[911 Operator]

I need you to go check on the juveniles for me, okay? You still see them breathing? You don't see any wounds on them?

[911 Caller (Caleb Flynn)]

No, no, the cop just. The cop just pulled away. Sir, sir, sir, the cop. The cop is here. Okay?

[911 Operator]

I want you to.

[911 Caller (Caleb Flynn)]

Okay.

[911 Operator]

Open the door for him so he can get into her. Okay?

[911 Caller (Caleb Flynn)]

Okay. He's running. He's coming to me. Sir?

[911 Operator]

What?

[911 Caller (Caleb Flynn)]

I don't know. There's. The door to the grocery store was wide open. I'm her. I his. Her. Her husband. No, I don't think so. Yes, listen.

[911 Operator]

Hey, ma'. Am. Ma', Am, do you still have me on the phone here?

[911 Caller (Caleb Flynn)]

And then there's a door all the way to the right. That one's open.

[Daphne]

I often find these calls kind of hard to listen to sometimes. I feel fooled by them because people can be such good actors. But holy shit, this is the phoniest call we've ever played on this show, in my opinion.

[Heath]

I completely agree with you.

[Daphne]

So, you know, sometimes we don't like to. To play the calls because they can be really devastating. This is like a horrific moment in time.

[Heath]

Sure. And it's so real with specific cases. It can be extremely like trau. Traumatizing to hear that.

[Advertisement Voice 1]

Yes.

[Daphne]

But with this one, it's like we couldn't avoid it. So let's break down the highlights of this call. I'm sure you guys have a lot of thoughts after listening to that, including how the operator kept calling Caleb, ma'.

[911 Caller (Caleb Flynn)]

Am.

[Daphne]

So when asked what he sees in the beginning of the call, Caleb mentions that Ashley was shot twice. It may not have been impossible for him to tell this that, you know, there were two shots because as we'll get into, she was shot with a 9 millimeter gun. And the entry wounds would have been relatively small then, but with blood like I would imagine in the dark of night, as he said the house was black. You know, while you're in the chaos and craziness of the moment, you probably would not count the bullet holes.

[Heath]

Yeah. I'm assuming that you're not really going to know. Like it would be one thing if you just said, you know, my wife has been shot. Because you can, you can probably tell that. But.

[Daphne]

Yeah. Or even multiple times or, you know, something vague.

[Heath]

Yes, something vague. But the fact that he says two times is already suspicious.

[Daphne]

Yeah. And he even said there's blood everywhere, which also makes it odd that he claimed her face was white as a ghost. And yet then he goes with, with the face white as a ghost, blood everywhere, she's non responsive. He goes on to say, ashley, Ashley, baby, baby, you know, as though she's gonna wake up. Like. And the way he's saying it. So like, oh, let me check really quick. Ashley, are you there? Are you there? And it's like what?

[Heath]

Like you just said she's white as a ghost and she was shot in the head. At this point, you know, he probably knows that. I mean, obviously, of course he knows she's gone.

[Daphne]

Right. So that, the way that he said that really stood out to me. He also essentially said the only way that he checked her body was quote, rubbing her leg and saying her name. Like so weird. When asked, do you still see anybody in the house? Caleb says, no, the garage door was wide open.

[Caleb Flynn]

Yeah.

[Daphne]

Felt like he was already trying to steer to an intruder before even saying that somebody entered the house. Because he's essentially claiming that he didn't see anybody enter. He's not saying there was a masked man in here and you know, like I saw him outside. For like there is no mention of the actual perpetrator whatsoever.

[Heath]

And that's also not actually answering the question. You're not actually answering the question and saying, no, I don't see anybody. You're saying, but the garage door was open though. It's like you're pointing towards a direction that's very clear.

[Daphne]

But that's what's so weird. The only answer would be, no, I don't see anybody and I didn't see anybody at all. But the garage door is open. So I want, you know, you can mention that still, of course. But the fact that he did not say one time whether or not he saw this person is so suspicious. Now let's get into what is most suspicious to me. He also mentions that he was with his daughters when it happens. He says, I was with the children when it Happened, which is like, why?

[Heath]

Yeah, it's 2:00am It's 2:00am Then he

[Daphne]

says, his daughters aren't even awake. Even more reason to wonder why he would have happened to be with them when his wife was killed. Because it's not like, oh, yeah, we were. You know, we had a late night and I was putting them to bed, and my wife was in her room. You're in their bedroom while they're sleeping in the middle of the night, the same moment your wife happens to be shot by an intruder that you didn't see.

[Heath]

That's really convenient, Caleb.

[Daphne]

And then when asked if he had checked on the kids, he said he hadn't checked on them. But then he's saying, I was with them when it happened. But then, of course, the operator is like, probably thinking there might still be somebody in the house that could have entered that room when you left it.

[Heath]

Yes, we got to make sure that these babies are okay.

[Daphne]

So the operator is pretty pressing Caleb to check on the kids, and he acts like he does. Caleb says that they don't have any wounds in their breathing, and then immediately continues to say, the cops just pulled up. Like, he's still looking out the window. Like, don't you think? It did not sound like he left that window whatsoever.

[Heath]

No, he didn't leave that window. That's the thing. Is. Is the operator saying, hey, go check on the kids? He's like, okay, yeah, they're fine. I checked on him and it's like, oh, and there's the cops. I see him. They're coming to the house. It's like, you didn't leave that window, did you?

[Daphne]

Because it seems like he knows for very, very intimate reasons that his children were not harmed. Now, of course, this is a suburban neighborhood. It would have been very risky to fire a gun here. So I assume that the killer must have used a silencer, because neighbors, by the way, did not report hearing any gunshots either. The kids slept through the entire situation.

[Heath]

You would imagine that if there were two shots, you know, going off from a 9 millimeter handgun, probably would have made enough sound for the kids to wake up. And he's saying, yeah, no, they're still asleep and nobody else heard anything.

[Daphne]

But again, even more reason for. For it to not make sense that you were in their room when this happened, because it's not like there was all this chaos and there's an intruder or multiple people running into the house, and you go to check on the kids to make sure they're okay, and you guys are locked in there and barricaded and then you come out and your wife is shot to death. That is not at all what he's saying. Yeah, he's saying someone shot my wife and she's dead and I was with the kids when it happened. Why?

[Heath]

Well, because it's none of it's really adding up here. But let's get back to the crime scene at hand. With spring activities, sports and busy schedules, it can be tough to keep academics front and center. IXL makes it simple to stay consistent and build momentum without adding stress.

[Daphne]

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[Heath]

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[Daphne]

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[Heath]

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[Daphne]

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[Heath]

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[Daphne]

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[Daphne]

Look at him eating whatever he wants,

[Caleb Flynn]

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[Daphne]

How's your lunch man?

[911 Caller (Caleb Flynn)]

Amazing.

[Heath]

Yours?

[Daphne]

So good.

[Heath]

Oh, I'm so happy for you.

[Caleb Flynn]

Cool buddy.

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[Daphne]

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[Daphne]

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[Heath]

So police did assess the scene and sadly they pronounced 37 year old Ashley Flynn dead at her own house within minutes of arriving. Homicide also arrived on the scene because from the jump it was at the very least clear that somebody had killed Ashley. They did not believe that this was something that Ashley did to herself, so she was found lying in bed in she and Caleb's shared master bedroom, possibly as though she was shot while she was sleeping. After that, the house was then cleared for any threats because they're like, we don't know if somebody's still in this house or they're hiding somewhere. And then the children were taken out of the house as the investigation went underway. And then of course the scene was cordoned off to preserve evidence like Even medics were told to hold and only one was actually allowed to go inside because they really don't want to contaminate this scene at all, which is great.

[Daphne]

You know, this is kind of a smaller city, so it's amazing that they did that. A lot of police officers don't know to do that, really.

[Heath]

Yeah. They had the foresight to actually do things by the book, which was awesome. And actually, when the police arrived, they found the two Flynn daughters to still be asleep, meaning that they did not wake up during this attack and they were also unharmed.

[Daphne]

I'm sorry to harp on this, but I gotta make one more point. Like this still makes it so suspicious why Caleb would have claimed to be in their bedroom when his wife was shot or even to have checked on them. Yeah, they're still breathing. They don't have any wounds. Okay, the cops are here. Like if you're. He was talking really loudly in that phone call.

[Heath]

Sure.

[Daphne]

So wouldn't they have woken up when you're like, yeah, they're fine. They've got no wounds.

[Heath]

Like. Yeah. And he's also not saying. He's also not saying that, hey, I was, you know, I heard the shots and then I immediately went to their bedroom. He's saying, exactly. No, when those shots were fired, I was in my daughter's bedroom with them

[Daphne]

at 2am and I can only wonder what he explained the reasoning was for that when he talked to police.

[Heath]

I mean, that's got to be one weird ass story that he's probably spinning. Well, two shell casings were actually located on the bedroom floor by the foot of the bed. So between this and the two wounds that were eventually confirmed in Ashley's head, what Caleb had said on the phone was proven to be true. At least that, you know, there were two shots to her head. Well, investigators found the side garage door open, as Caleb had also said. But strangely, investigators describe that there was a large refrigerator in front of that open door that would have needed to be pushed aside to get past. So obviously that was pretty weird. While explaining what happened and showing police around the house, investigators also took note of the two vehicles that were at the scene, which was the Flynn's 2024 Ford truck and 2016 Chrysler. And get this, the Ford truck's center console was open. And guess what? This is where Caleb told them that he usually kept his gun. But according to reports, it was somehow missing. Obviously if it was missing, that would suggest that someone came to the house, checked his truck, grabbed his gun, then got inside the house using the side garage door that was apparently obstructed by a fridge, then went into the house and shot Ashley and only Ashley in the head. While Caleb was, for reasons that are still totally unclear, in the bedroom of his sleeping daughters. I mean, that's the scene that this guy is painting here.

[Daphne]

Yeah, well, since Caleb was home when it happened and he's already looking a little bit suspicious here, he agreed to voluntarily head down to the Tipp City Police Department at 4:30 that same morning to tell the full story on the record. Now, throughout that same day, investigators identified the firearm used in Ashley's killing as a 9 millimeter handgun, which is the gun that Caleb owned. So three days later, on Thursday, February 19, 2026 at 5:00pm, 39 year old Caleb Flynn was arrested for the murder of his wife, 37 year old Ashley Flynn. He was booked into the Miami County Jail in Dayton, Ohio and charged with murder, aggravated murder, felony murder, two counts of felonious assault, two counts of intimidation of a witness, obstructing justice, and two counts of tampering with evidence because police believed he staged the scene to look like somebody had broken in when he was responsible. And I wonder if allegedly allegedly. Well, well, he was responsible according to the charges, but obviously innocent until proven guilty, right?

[Heath]

Yes, that trial is still coming.

[Daphne]

And I can only wonder if the two counts of intimidation of a witness was his daughters.

[Heath]

Like if he had said, like, hey,

[Daphne]

don't say I was in here with you guys or something like that.

[Heath]

Exactly.

[Daphne]

I mean, I have no idea, but that's just where my mind goes. Well, the criminal complaint states that Caleb purposefully caused Ashley's death, that her death occurred in the early morning hours of February 16, shortly before Caleb called police, and that Caleb had the firearm, quote, under his control. Now there is a lot of speculation surrounding Ashley being pregnant, and that seems to stem from the fact that the complaint reads, quote, one Caleb Flynn in the city of Tipp, City county of Miami, State of Ohio, did purposely cause the death of another or the unlawful termination of another's pregnancy. But this terminology is just how section 290301 of aggravated murder in Ohio law is state. So that does not mean she was pregnant, like I said, I said.

[Advertisement Voice 1]

Or.

[Heath]

Yeah, this is just how it's laid out in the law book.

[Daphne]

It seems like he more likely purposely caused the death of another because that is the first portion of that law. Now, in court documents that are tied to a search warrant affidavit in this case, investigators detailed extensive communication between Caleb and an unidentified woman from his church. And I mean extensive. Extensive. So there is another woman, one who worked at the church that Caleb spoke to a lot, which I think either way is not a very good look because you're married, you have kids. Why are you talking to this other woman? Yeah, that is not your relative. Constantly. And I say unidentified because her name is redacted. But like we know who she is. Her name is everywhere online. She's a 23 year old worship leader at Christian Life center in Tip City, which is one of the churches that the Flynn's ATT.

[Heath]

So, yeah, we've got 39 year old Caleb talking to this 23 year old worship leader at his church. Yeah, not a good look, Caleb.

[Daphne]

Well, interestingly, Christian Life center removed their staff directory just days ago after the Internet began connecting one of these worship leaders or one of their worship leaders to Ashley's case or more specifically to Caleb. And by the way, Caleb was not on the staff, so he would not have been on this page, even though he did, like I said, play music there during service sometimes as well as at other churches. But as we know, he worked for the church flooring company. So he specifically is not the reason this page was removed. Apparently it was removed because people were taking this young woman's photo and putting it everywhere, accusing her of having an affair with Caleb and potentially even knowing about a plot for Ashley's murder. Now, at this point, these are still completely baseless theories, honestly, mostly based on rumors from within the Tip City community itself and people who are apparently close to these people.

[Heath]

Yeah, of course people around town are going to talk. You know, it's not a very big place. So rumors are going to be swirling around.

[Daphne]

Yeah. So there are people posting on Facebook, many in and out of this community, pointing out that she has deleted her Facebook and that they've known each other for at least a few years and they've played music together at church and performed together during worship because she is also very musically inclined. She's a very talented singer. But again, we're not going to give her name unless there is evidence to suggest that she knew something nefarious or was in a relationship with Kayla. But. But, you know, people online are understandably looking for a motive and this may be it, but right now we just don't know.

[Heath]

And obviously if you feel so inclined to go find out that information yourself, you can go do that on the Internet because it's. It's there. But let's get back to those documents that you were just talking about, Daphne, because they suggest Some pretty. I want to say some pretty nefarious things because Caleb sent this girl or someone else a text message at 12:42am saying it's almost done. So I think we'd all be very interested in knowing more about this text and other communications of Caleb's from around the time of Ashley's murder.

[Daphne]

I mean, if he really did send that text, what the hell?

[Heath]

That's some pretty damning shit.

[Daphne]

I mean, you've gotta be kidding.

[Heath]

But more on potential infidelity, because earlier when I ran through Caleb's entire job history and said that he worked as a worship director, this was at Free Chapel. This church is in Spartanburg, South Carolina. So he worked there for about five and a half years before working local as that life insurance agent for about 11 months and then ultimately returning to Tipp City, Ohio, in November of 2021. So he and Ashley lived in South Carolina for years. Now, we almost didn't want to mention this, but multiple people who reportedly knew Caleb in South Carolina claimed that he resigned as worship director and then eventually returned to Ohio because he was cheating on Ashley there. So if it turns out to be true that he was, you know, having, like, extramarital relations with this worship leader in Tip City, it may not have been his first time. And also, it could give us a little bit of insight into possible motive. But let's get back to the case. So, allegedly, multiple houses on their street and cul de sac have cameras, and no other vehicles were seen entering or exiting the neighborhood around the time of Ashley's murder. Also, as we mentioned, the gun was allegedly missing from the center console of Caleb's truck. But during a thorough search of the property, police may have found it buried under the shed in the family's backyard. Police stated that they used a backhoe to lift up that shed and found something very crucial there, though they have not specifically released yet that it was the gun. Now, we can imagine that they found the murder weapon to be able to secure this arrest, which is, you know, obviously why many people are speculating that the gun was found under that shed. Because they're like, okay, they had to have had enough to actually go and charge him.

[Daphne]

Yeah. Like, what else would have been under the shed?

[Heath]

Right. But presently the available reports don't mention any weapon being uncovered. So we're not totally clear on that. Just kind of speculating so far.

[Daphne]

Yeah. Cause they also haven't said a weapon was not found, but it's just there. There's obviously still a lot that they're not releasing to the public, of course,

[Heath]

because obviously they need to keep the integrity of the investigation before, you know, a hearing or potential trial. Well, in his February 20th arraignment, Caleb Flynn pleaded not guilty to the charges against him, as usual, so he can defend his case. When asked if he understood the charges against him and if he was a flight risk, Caleb said tearfully, sir, I just want to take care of my daughters. I'm not a risk. A preliminary hearing was actually scheduled for February 26th to determine if there was enough evidence or probable cause in the case to go to trial. But his attorney apparently needed more time, so the hearing has been pushed one month out to March 26th. Currently, Caleb remains held in the Miami county jail on a $2 million bond.

[Daphne]

But it doesn't seem that anyone is fighting against the charges, besides, of course, Caleb himself. Because last week, Ashley's family posted an obituary which we detailed throughout this episode. Though we will note that Caleb, for good reason it seems, is not named in it. They then released a statement regarding the unprecedented killing of their incredible daughter and sister, Ashley. It reads, our hearts are shattered. Ashley brought endless joy to our world, and we're trying to navigate this immense loss. Our family believes this arrest was made carefully and not without serious consideration. After speaking with both local police and federal authorities, we trust the proper steps were taken and the process is being handled appropriately. We kindly ask for privacy as we work through this complex situation. We are clinging to our faith, just as Ashley did each and every day. So right now, that is all we have. New information really hasn't been released in the past week, so I don't know how much is really going to be coming out before that preliminary hearing and how much will even really come out there because sometimes nothing comes out until a trial happens. So we'll definitely see and we'll update you guys. And we encourage you to follow us on socials because that is where we do kind of smaller updates, whether in a video or like a text post. So check that out. And if you have any information that could bring more answers to the murder investigation of Ashley Flynn, please contact the Tip City Police Department at 937-667-3112. Thank you so much everybody for listening to this episode of Going West.

[Heath]

Yes, thank you guys so much for listening to this episode. Hopefully there will be some more updates. Please make sure that you go follow us on our socials. We're on Instagram oingwust podcast. We're also on Facebook as well as TikTok. And I just got to say our hearts really go out to Ashley's family because this is just such a devastating and unconscionable tragedy.

[Daphne]

Yeah. And their poor children. You know, it's always so devastating when this happens. We cover so many cases where a spouse is charged with murdering the other

[Heath]

spouse, and it's like the kids lose both parents.

[Daphne]

Yes, exactly. And it just feels like if the motive was an affair, like, it's just you. And I always say, like, just get a divorce.

[Heath]

Yeah, a fucking divorce.

[Daphne]

And many people speculate as well. Like, online, you know, you see so many comments, and it's like, there's. They're all baseless unless there's actual evidence to back them up. But so many people are like, she was drafting the divorce papers. And I'm like, was she, though? Like, we don't know yet. So, yeah, we'll see. And even if she was, she should have been allowed to do that. Ashley seemed like such a wonderful, hardworking, amazing woman and mother and friend and daughter, and she just didn't deserve for this to happen to her. So we are definitely looking forward to more updates. So thank you everybody who sent this into us on socials.

[Heath]

Yeah, a lot of you guys sent tons of emails in about this case specifically.

[Daphne]

Yeah. And like we said, you know, Heath and I are very invested in current events, obviously, so we love doing happening now stories and kind of getting to talk about what's going on in the world with you guys as it's happening. So. So thank you so much, and we will see you again on Friday.

[Heath]

All right, guys. So for everybody out there in the

[Daphne]

world, don't be a stranger.

[911 Caller (Caleb Flynn)]

Sam,

[Caleb Flynn]

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