Ashley Flynn, 37, was found dead in her home in the 900 block of Cunningham Court after police were called early Monday, Feb. 16 for a reported home burglary. Tipp City Police Chief Greg Adkins said she was shot twice.
Flynn coached seventh-grade girls volleyball at Tippecanoe Middle School and worked as a substitute teacher for Tipp City Schools, where she also was a former teacher. For the past year she served as a teacher for LifeWise Academy in Tipp City, a nonprofit that provides Bible-based education to public school students away from campus during school hours.
“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," Tipp City Schools said.
Flynn, formerly Ashley Smith, was a graduate of Tippecanoe High School and Lee University, a private Christian university in Cleveland, Tennessee.
Cunningham Court residents described the Flynn family as wonderful, active neighbors who have lived on the cul-de-sac for about four or five years.
The Dayton Daily News continues to follow this case. Here is a roundup of our coverage so far:
WATCH: Early moments of Ashley Flynn homicide investigation released
Body and dash camera footage show the early moments of the investigation into Ashley Flynn’s death in Tipp City last month.
Defense in Ashley Flynn homicide: Hearing delay is to ‘receive actual facts’
The defense attorney for Caleb Flynn said he requested a hearing delay to wait for police reports and laboratory tests.
Caleb Flynn is next due to appear in Miami County Municipal Court on March 26. He pleaded not guilty to murder and two counts each of felonious assault and tampering with evidence during his Feb. 20 arraignment in connection to the Feb. 16 shooting death of his wife, Ashley Flynn, at their Cunningham Court home.
A timeline of the Ashley Flynn murder case, husband’s arrest
Within 82 hours of the shooting death of Ashley Flynn her husband, Caleb Flynn was arrested on suspicion of murder and accused of staging the crime scene to look like a home invasion.
Here is a timeline of events as they unfolded.
Ashley Flynn case: Husband in jail on suspicion of murder
Credit: Miami County Jail
Credit: Miami County Jail
Caleb Flynn was arrested and is charged with one count of murder, two counts of felonious assault and two counts of tampering with evidence.
The former music pastor is accused of killing his wife, Ashley Flynn, a beloved Tipp City Schools volleyball coach and substitute teacher.
FBI joins Ashley Flynn case: Husband starred on ‘American Idol’
The FBI is among agencies assisting with the investigation into the shooting that devastated a Tipp City family active in the community, schools and their church.
“We have also reached out to the Miami County Sheriff’s Office, Miami County Prosecutor’s Office and the Dayton FBI office, who are also assisting us not only for manpower purposes but also additional resources and expertise in certain fields that can help in this situation,” Tipp City Police Chief Greg Adkins said.
While still working as a music pastor, Ashley’s husband, Caleb Flynn, in 2013 appeared as a contestant on the 12th season of “American Idol.” During an interview, he shared: “I love my wife more than anything. She is very, very pretty. I love her.”
Neighbors said the Flynns and their two elementary-age daughters are often seen outside with the family’s two Goldendoodles. They have a volleyball net set up in the backyard, a basketball hoop along the driveway and they would often toss a softball outside as well.
VIDEO: Tipp City police chief discusses investigation into Ashley Flynn homicide
Tipp City homicide: Autopsy conducted; Police reviewing tips, evidence
An autopsy was conducted the morning of Feb. 17th.
Investigators were following up the information and evidence obtained during the autopsy.
Police were reviewing tips from the community.
Police asked people with video footage or any information to come forward.
Tipp City neighbors shocked about shooting of Ashley Flynn in reported burglary
Credit: Bryant Billing
Credit: Bryant Billing
Neighbors of Ashley Flynn expressed shock a day after her death, questioning how this could happen in their tight-knit community.
“Everybody that knew her loved her,” said neighbor Sally Shank. “She really just engaged you. She was full of light. She’s going to leave a big hole in our church, and our neighborhood and our schools.”
Neighbors also expressed concern and a need for vigilance. One said she’s installing a home security system.
Tipp City homicide: What we know as the investigation reaches third day
Credit: Bryant Billing
Credit: Bryant Billing
Investigators were continuing to follow up on information and evidence gathered during the autopsy process.
