Dual Murder Trials Begin
Jury selection and trials begin for high-profile murder cases in Ohio and North Carolina.
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Key Points
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Caleb Flynn was a former worship pastor and “American Idol” contestant, while Ashley Flynn was described as a beloved coach, educator and mother of two daughters.
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Flynn called 911 and reportedly told dispatchers, “Somebody broke into my home and shot my wife,” while also saying he was unsure whether an intruder remained inside.
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Mary Collins’ family has attended every court hearing involving the four people charged in her death for six years; her mother, Kasei Canfora, said the repeated proceedings made her feel “violated over and over again.”
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Collins’ grandmother, Mia Alderman, alleged that the perpetrators drained Collins’ blood, wrapped her body in plastic and planned to burn both the mattress and her remains.
Jury selection has begun in two high-profile murder trials this week. In Ohio, Dayton Daily News reports that Caleb Flynn, a former worship pastor and "American Idol" contestant, faces aggravated murder charges for allegedly shooting his wife, Ashley, twice in the head while she slept in 2020 and staging the scene as a home invasion. In North Carolina, Yahoo News reports that James Salerno and Lavi Pham are on trial for the brutal 2020 killing of 20-year-old Mary Collins, who prosecutors say was stabbed more than 130 times, wrapped in plastic, and hidden inside a mattress.
Both cases involve victims from 2020 and have drawn intense family involvement. Ashley Flynn was a beloved coach, educator, and mother of two daughters. Mary Collins' family has attended every court hearing for six years, with her grandmother alleging the perpetrators drained Collins' blood and planned to burn her remains.
Ohio Pastor Accused of Staging Wife's Murder
Dayton Daily News reports that Flynn, 40, called 911 and told dispatchers, "Somebody broke into my home and shot my wife." Prosecutors allege this call was part of an elaborate cover-up. Flynn faces charges including aggravated murder, assault, evidence-tampering, and witness-intimidation. His defense team plans to contest the case in court.
The case has drawn widespread attention because of Flynn's public profile. Yahoo News notes he was an "American Idol" contestant and music pastor. Ashley Flynn's death shocked her community in Tipp City, Ohio. The trial is occurring in the historic Miami County courthouse.
Charlotte Murder Trial Enters Sixth Week of Proceedings
James Salerno and Lavi Pham are charged with first-degree murder and kidnapping in Mary Collins' death. Prosecutors say Collins, then 20, was lured to a NoDa apartment, stabbed more than 130 times, and concealed in a mattress. Both defendants have pleaded not guilty. Pham's defense plans to argue voluntary intoxication as a mitigating factor.
The trial is expected to last about six weeks. A third defendant, Kelly Lavery, already pleaded guilty and received a 25-to-32-year sentence. A fourth defendant, America Diehl, faces a later court hearing. Mary Collins' grandmother alleged that perpetrators drained her blood before wrapping and concealing her body.
Families Seek Justice After Years of Court Proceedings
Mary Collins' family has endured six years of repeated court hearings. Journal-News reports that Collins' mother, Kasei Canfora, said the process made her feel "violated over and over again." The family's consistent courtroom presence reflects their determination to see justice served for the young woman.
Both trials represent the culmination of years of investigation and legal preparation. The cases highlight the lasting impact of violent crime on families and communities, as relatives continue attending proceedings long after initial arrests. These trials now move forward with full jury participation.
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