Police say the victim’s husband and two children were inside the house when officers arrived.
TIPP CITY, OH — A former teacher and middle school volleyball coach was found shot to death early Monday after police were called to her home for a reported burglary in progress, authorities said, launching a multi-agency investigation in the small Miami County city north of Dayton.
The death of 37-year-old Ashley Flynn has shaken Tipp City, where leaders observed a moment of silence and residents gathered for prayer vigils while investigators searched for answers. Tipp City police have described the case as complex and said they are working with state and federal partners as they review tips, security video and other evidence to identify whoever shot Flynn inside her home.
Police were dispatched about 2:31 a.m. Mon., Feb. 16, to the 900 block of Cunningham Court on a report of a home burglary involving a resident who had been shot, officials said. Officers arrived and made contact with Flynn’s husband and the couple’s two children inside the residence. Flynn was pronounced dead at the scene. Tipp City Police Chief Greg Adkins said investigators believe she was shot twice inside the house and that detectives are still working to determine a motive and whether one person or more than one person was involved.
Investigators secured the home and set up a perimeter in the neighborhood while a police canine and a drone were used to search for a suspect in the area, authorities said. No suspect was located during the initial search. Officers and crime scene technicians remained at the location through the day collecting and processing evidence, and police maintained a presence outside the home as crews continued work into Monday night and returned Tuesday, according to updates from the department and local reports. Adkins said the investigation has required extensive manpower, including time spent reviewing video submitted by residents and area businesses. “It’s pretty much taken the manpower of several of our investigators just reviewing the videos that have been coming in,” he said in an interview aired locally.
Authorities have not publicly said whether anything was taken from the home, what kind of weapon was used, or whether the intruder or intruders had any prior connection to the family. Early accounts also differed on whether investigators saw signs of forced entry, and police have not released details that would explain that discrepancy. What police have said is that the call came in as a burglary in progress and that the shooting happened inside the residence. The department has asked residents with doorbell video, surveillance footage or other information from the overnight hours to contact investigators as they reconstruct the movements of anyone who may have been near Cunningham Court before or after the shooting.
As the case drew wider attention, additional agencies were brought in to help. Ohio’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation responded soon after the shooting to assist with evidence processing and follow-up work, and police later confirmed they were also working with the FBI, the Miami County Sheriff’s Office and the Miami County Prosecutor’s Office. In a statement, police said those partnerships are intended to ensure a thorough investigation that can determine what happened inside the home. Adkins said his department is leading the case but needed extra resources because Tipp City is a small agency that does not operate as a dedicated homicide team.
An autopsy was conducted Tuesday morning, and results were pending, police said. Investigators said they are following up on information obtained through the autopsy process while they continue collecting and analyzing evidence. No arrests had been announced as of Wednesday, and police had not released a suspect description. Officials also have not said whether they believe the suspect remains in the area, though Adkins said he wanted residents to feel they could keep moving forward as a community while the investigation continues.
Flynn was well known in local schools and church circles. Tipp City Schools said she had served the district as a former teacher and as a substitute teacher, and she coached seventh-grade girls volleyball at Tippecanoe Middle School. She also taught for LifeWise Academy in Tipp City, a nonprofit that provides Bible-based education to public school students away from campus during school hours, according to local reports. In statements shared by community groups, she was remembered for her warmth, kindness and the positive impact she had on students and athletes. Pastor Jordan Hansen of Christian Life Center, where the family has been active, said Flynn was “murdered in her home” and asked for prayers for her husband and two daughters.
Neighbors on the cul-de-sac described a family often seen outside with their children and dogs, with sports gear in the yard and a routine of greeting people in the neighborhood. One neighbor, Sally Shank, told local reporters that “everybody that knew her loved her,” adding that Flynn “was full of light” and that her death would leave “a big hole” in the church, neighborhood and schools. Tipp City officials also offered public condolences. City Manager Eric Mack said the city’s thoughts were with Flynn’s family and urged patience as law enforcement worked the case. Mayor Logan Rogers and council members spoke about Flynn at a public meeting where the city paused to honor her.
As investigators worked, the community organized gatherings and support for the family. LifeWise held a prayer event on Monday, and Christian Life Center opened its worship auditorium for a scheduled evening gathering later in the week, according to local reports. An online fundraiser created to help Flynn’s family surpassed its initial goal within about a day, collecting tens of thousands of dollars as residents shared messages of support. Police said they have continued to receive tips, and Adkins said detectives are reviewing information as it comes in while trying to avoid releasing details that could compromise the investigation.
Police asked anyone with information or video from the area around Cunningham Court in the early morning hours of Feb. 16 to contact Tipp City police or Miami County dispatch. Authorities said the investigation remains active, with evidence analysis continuing and additional interviews expected as detectives work to establish the timeline and identify a suspect. No court dates or charges had been announced, and officials said the next major update will come as forensic results and investigative leads are confirmed.
Author note: Last updated February 18, 2026.