Former American Idol contestant Caleb Flynn was sentenced on October 5 to life in prison without parole for the February shooting death of his wife, Ashley Flynn , in Ohio. The 40 year old music pastor also received nine years for evidence tampering and seven years tied to firearm enhancements, with all sentences running consecutively. Flynn was convicted before the sentencing hearing, where courtroom footage showed him holding back tears as Judge Jeannine Pratt read his punishment. Pratt called Flynn’s conduct deeply disturbing and said he had used his faith to manipulate people around him. The Sentence Was Only Part of the Reckoning Judge Pratt said the shooting permanently changed the lives of Flynn and Ashley Flynn’s daughters, who were 12 and 10 at the time of sentencing. Statements read for both girls described their grief, their shattered trust in their father, and their demand that Flynn acknowledge what he did, while the older daughter said she did not plan to visit him in prison. Ashley Flynn’s family also addressed the court, with her father, Todd Smith, saying the family had chosen forgiveness for their own peace while still seeking full justice. Smith described Ashley as vibrant and loving, and said her death had permanently altered the family’s life.