Former American Idol contestant Caleb Flynn has been accused of killing his wife.

The 39-year-old called the police on Feb. 16, claiming that there was a burglary at his and his wife Ashley Flynn’s home in Tipp City, Ohio, where they lived with their two young children. Ashley, who was 37, was pronounced dead after police responded to the call.

“Somebody broke into my home and killed my wife,” the caller, later revealed as Caleb, said in the nearly eight-minute call obtained by PEOPLE. “Please, please hurry. […] She’s got three shots to her and blood everywhere.”

Three days later, Caleb — who appeared on American Idol in 2013 — was taken into custody and charged with murder, two counts of felonious assault and two counts of tampering with evidence, per online court records reviewed by PEOPLE. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Following Caleb’s arrest, Ashley’s family released a statement, saying that she “brought endless light to our world, and we are trying to navigate this immense loss.”

“Our family believes this arrest was made carefully and not without serious consideration,” the statement continued. “After speaking with both local police and federal authorities, we trust the proper steps were taken and the process is being handled appropriately […] We are clinging to our faith — just as Ashley did each and every day.”

Here’s everything to know about Caleb Flynn’s late wife and two kids.

Ashley was a volleyball coach and substitute teacher

Ashley and Caleb Flynn.Ashley Flynn/Facebook

Prior to her death, Ashley was working as a volleyball coach at Tippecanoe Middle School and a substitute teacher at Lifewise Academy.

On Feb. 16, Tipp City Schools shared a statement about Ashley’s death on Facebook, writing, “She was known for her beautiful smile, warmth, kindness, and the positive impact she had on so many—both in and out of the classroom and on the court.”

Outside of work, the Christian Life Center in Dayton, Ohio, described Flynn as a “beloved member” of the church in a Facebook announcement by Pastor Jordan Hansen.

Caleb spoke about Ashley during an interview on American Idol

Ashley and Caleb Flynn.Ashley Flynn/Facebook

When Caleb appeared on American Idol‘s 12th season in 2013, he spoke about his wife during one of his interviews.

He credited her for helping push him to audition for the show.

Their two daughters were home when Ashley was fatally shot in February 2026

Caleb and Ashley shared two daughters, both of whom were in the Tipp City residence at the time of the Feb. 16 shooting, according to a 911 call previously released by police and the bodycam footage released by authorities on March 2.

Ashley’s death was initially reported by Caleb in a frantic 911 call where he claimed someone had broken into their home and killed her. In the bodycam footage that was released a few weeks later, Caleb appeared to have been grieving, panicking, crying and, at times, hyperventilating and throwing up upon the police’s arrival at the scene.

In one of the videos, Caleb is seen leaving the residence to talk with a relative as she arrives at the scene. “The girls don’t know,” he tells the woman, who is identified in the video as the grandmother of their two children.

A GoFundMe has been set up for their daughters

Caleb Flynn, Ashley Flynn and their children.Ashley Flynn/Facebook

A GoFundMe has been organized by a family friend to assist Caleb and Ashley’s two children amid their mother’s death.

“So many people have asked how they can help support the Flynn girls during this unimaginable time. This fundraiser was created as a way to come alongside them and help ease some of the financial burden in the days and months ahead,” the fundraiser reads in part. “Please continue to lift up her two daughters and the entire family in prayer.”

As of March 4, the fundraiser has received over 1,400 donations and raised over $166,000.

Ashley’s family is remembering her for her “endless light”

Ashley Flynn.Tipp City Schools/Facebook

Following Ashley’s death, her family shared a statement with PEOPLE through a spokesperson, saying that she “brought endless light to the world.”

Part of her online obituary adds, “Ashley was known as a shining light of joy to all who crossed her path, effortlessly encouraging others along the way.”

“Her kindness and spirit touched countless lives, often in ways she never even realized,” the obituary, which also describes her as a “caring and dedicated mother,” continues.