A deeply emotional moment unfolded in an Ohio courtroom as former American Idol contestant Caleb Flynn broke down while speaking to his two daughters during his sentencing.

Flynn, 40, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole after being convicted of aggravated murder, felonious assault and evidence tampering in connection with the February death of his wife, Ashley Flynn. The jury reached its verdict after an eight-day trial, taking about two hours to find him guilty.

During his statement before the sentence was handed down, Flynn became emotional as he addressed his daughters, who were 9 and 11 when their mother died. He told them that the days they were born had changed his life forever and expressed how proud he was of them.

The trial revealed a troubling series of messages between Flynn and his former mistress, Alleigha Botner. Prosecutors presented texts exchanged during their nearly two-year relationship, including messages in which the pair discussed Ashley’s death. Botner later testified about their relationship and the conversations that took place before Ashley was killed.

The case has been especially painful for Ashley’s family and her two daughters. According to testimony reported by PEOPLE, the girls struggled to understand how their father could have treated their mother this way, with one heartbreaking question reportedly weighing heavily on the family: “Why did Daddy not love her as much?”

The judge ultimately described Flynn as posing the “highest risk to the public,” citing what he called layers of deceit, manipulation and cruelty revealed during the trial. In addition to the life sentence, Flynn received additional consecutive prison terms related to firearm specifications and evidence tampering.

Ashley was remembered by those who knew her as a devoted mother and an active member of her community. She taught Bible studies and coached youth volleyball, while friends described her as someone who loved creating meaningful memories with her family.

Flynn’s attorney has previously said that the defense plans to appeal the conviction.

Source: PEOPLE