Caleb Flynn, a former American Idol contestant, is on trial for the murder of his wife Ashley in their Ohio home in February. Prosecutors opened their case by presenting evidence of over 100,000 text messages Flynn sent to a mistress during a years-long affair, in which he allegedly expressed detailed wishes to kill his wife. The case centres on whether these messages, combined with evidence that he may have staged a break-in, prove his guilt beyond reasonable doubt.

Flynn, aged 40, faces multiple charges including aggravated murder, murder, felonious assault and tampering with evidence, which he denies. Ashley Flynn, 37, was found dead in their master bedroom in Tipp City with gunshot wounds to the head, allegedly inflicted by a 9mm handgun whilst their two children slept nearby. Flynn's defence team has admitted the affair but argues the prosecution's case is built on theory rather than proof, and claims he discussed divorce plans with his mistress throughout their relationship.