Former ‘American Idol’ contestant convicted of murdering his wife sentenced

TIPP CITY, Ohio (CBS, KYMA) - A former music pastor in Ohio who appeared briefly on "American Idol" was sentenced to life in prison without parole for the murder of his wife in their home north of Dayton.

Before Caleb Flynn was sentenced Monday, he made an emotional speech in which he said he did not kill his wife, while apologizing to the couple's two young daughters, his parents and his brother.

"When I say I did not kill my wife, I will continue to fight for my innocence as long as The Lord allows me to," Flynn expressed. "I made vows to Ashley on my wedding day. I failed those vows and through my decisions I have caused you guys an incredible amount of pain. Through those decisions I'm sure you have felt betrayal, confusion, anger and so much more."

Flynn did not testify in his own defense during the trial.

Last week, the jury found him guilty of murdering his wife, Ashley, while he was having an affair.

Prosecutors said Flynn staged a home invasion after the shooting and claimed she was killed by a burglar.