“THE DOGS WOULD HAVE BARKED”: FATHER OF SLAIN WOMAN SAYS DETAIL MADE HIM DOUBT SON-IN-LAW’S STORY

TIPP CITY, OHIO — A seemingly small detail involving two family dogs became one of the first things that made Ashley Flynn’s father question her husband’s account of the night she was killed, a jury heard during Caleb Flynn’s murder trial.

Ashley Flynn, 37, was fatally shot inside the bedroom of the Tipp City home she shared with Caleb Flynn, a former contestant on “American Idol,” on February 16.

Caleb, 40, told investigators that an intruder had broken into the house and shot his wife.

But when Ashley’s father, Todd Smith, learned what had happened, he said something about the alleged home invasion did not make sense to him: the family’s two dogs had apparently not reacted as he would have expected to a stranger entering the home.

Smith testified last week as prosecutors continued presenting evidence in the murder case.

“THE DOGS DIDN’T BARK”

According to testimony reported by PEOPLE, Smith said he immediately began asking questions after hearing Caleb’s account.

One detail particularly troubled him.

The family had two dogs inside the house at the time Ashley was killed. Smith said he expected the animals to react if an unknown person entered the home in the middle of the night.

Instead, the dogs apparently did not behave as though a stranger had entered.

That detail contributed to Smith’s growing doubts about the burglary explanation.

Investigators also examined Caleb’s claim that an intruder had entered the residence. Prosecutors have argued that the scene was staged to make Ashley’s killing look like a home invasion.

A police dog later failed to detect evidence supporting the presence of an unknown intruder, according to testimony reported during the trial. Authorities also said their investigation did not uncover evidence establishing that someone had broken into the home.

ASHLEY WAS KILLED WHILE HER CHILDREN WERE HOME

Ashley and Caleb had two daughters, who were 9 and 11 years old at the time of the killing.

The girls were inside the home when their mother was fatally shot.

Prosecutors allege that Ashley was killed while she was in bed and that Caleb subsequently attempted to make the scene appear to be the result of an intruder.

Caleb has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.

His defense has challenged the prosecution’s theory, arguing that the affair between Caleb and Alleigha Botner does not establish that he killed his wife.

A SECRET AFFAIR BECAME A MAJOR PART OF THE CASE

A central part of the prosecution’s case is Caleb’s nearly two-year relationship with Alleigha Botner, a 24-year-old woman who worked with him at the church where he was a worship pastor.

Botner testified during the trial and described an extensive series of text messages between herself and Caleb.

Prosecutors have presented more than 100,000 messages exchanged between the two.

Botner told jurors that Caleb repeatedly expressed hatred toward Ashley and discussed wanting her dead.

She also testified that, shortly before Ashley was killed, Caleb told her he was leaving his wife.

On February 15, one day before the shooting, Botner said she was still discussing divorce and custody issues with Caleb.

The following day, Ashley was dead.

Botner testified that the timing immediately made her suspicious.

“I choose you. I’m free. Actions will come tomorrow,” prosecutors say Caleb texted Botner hours before the 911 call reporting Ashley’s shooting.

THE MISTRESS ALSO VISITED ASHLEY’S PARENTS

In another striking development, Botner testified that she went to Ashley’s parents’ home the morning after the killing.

She was among church members who visited the grieving family.

At that point, Botner said she herself was becoming suspicious about what had happened.

She testified that she asked Caleb whether he was responsible for Ashley’s death.

Botner has not been charged with a crime in connection with Ashley’s killing.

TEXT MESSAGES TAKE CENTER STAGE

Jurors have heard extensive testimony about Caleb and Botner’s relationship.

Botner said their affair began in March 2024, after they met through their church.

The relationship continued for nearly two years, despite Caleb remaining married to Ashley.

The two even got matching tattoos inspired by their shared interest in Harry Potter. Botner testified that Caleb had his tattoo placed in his armpit so Ashley would not see it.

Prosecutors have also shown jurors messages in which Caleb allegedly discussed ways he could get rid of Ashley without going to prison.

Botner acknowledged that she herself made disturbing statements about Ashley during the relationship.

She has nevertheless testified for the prosecution and said she believes Caleb was responsible for Ashley’s death.

CALEB FLYNN’S “AMERICAN IDOL” CONNECTION

Before the murder case, Caleb Flynn was known to some viewers for his brief appearance on “American Idol” Season 12 in 2013.

He had described music as a major passion in his life and credited Ashley with encouraging him to pursue the opportunity.

Ashley was a teacher and volleyball coach and was remembered by family members as a devoted mother.

The contrast between the family’s public image and the allegations now being presented in court has become one of the most striking elements of the case.

THE DEFENSE SAYS THE CASE HAS NOT BEEN PROVEN

Caleb’s attorneys have argued that prosecutors must prove he committed the killing beyond a reasonable doubt.

They have pointed to the fact that investigators have not recovered the alleged murder weapon and have challenged the prosecution’s interpretation of the evidence.

The defense has also argued that Caleb’s affair, although admitted, does not by itself prove that he killed Ashley.

Caleb has not testified in his own defense, and the case remains before the jury.

Closing arguments are expected as the trial moves toward its conclusion.

For Ashley Flynn’s family, however, the case is about far more than the evidence being presented in court.

It is about a wife and mother who was killed inside her own home — and the unanswered questions that began almost immediately, including one seemingly simple question about two dogs that, according to her father, did not behave as though a stranger had entered the house.

Caleb Flynn is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.