SAYVILLE, NY – Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced that 18-year-old Austin Lynch of Nesconset has been indicted on a charge of Murder in the Second Degree for the fatal shooting of his former girlfriend, 18-year-old Emily Finn of Sayville.
This is a tragic case,” District Attorney Tierney said. “Emily Finn should still be alive and back at college. Instead, the defendant allegedly robbed her of that experience and her future.”
According to the investigation, Finn had gone to Lynch’s home on Shenandoah Boulevard North on the morning of November 26, 2025, reportedly to speak in person about the end of their three-and-a-half-year relationship. The pair began dating at age 14 in 2022. Finn had recently started her freshman year at SUNY Oneonta, where she was studying early childhood education, while Lynch remained on Long Island and planned to enter Marine boot camp in February.
In the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving, investigators say Lynch became increasingly obsessive after Finn ended the relationship, repeatedly calling and texting her. When Finn stopped responding and later blocked his number, Lynch allegedly reached out using a family member’s phone and sent numerous social media messages. Witnesses said Lynch appeared distraught and had expressed suicidal thoughts multiple times.
At approximately 9:50 a.m. on November 26, 2025, Finn arrived at the home while visiting from college for Thanksgiving break. As she prepared to leave, Lynch allegedly shot her in the back of the head at point-blank range using a shotgun belonging to his family. He then allegedly turned the weapon on himself, sustaining severe facial injuries.
Lynch’s parents, who had been outside the home, rushed inside after hearing the gunshots. Lynch’s father called 911, reportedly telling the dispatcher that his son had shot his girlfriend and then himself. First responders found Finn deceased inside the residence, still holding her car keys, with her purse and coat beside her. Lynch was found bleeding heavily from facial wounds and was transported to Stony Brook University Hospital, where he was treated for fractures and a cranial leak.
Lynch was arraigned on December 4, 2025, before Judge Philip Goglas on a charge of Murder in the Second Degree, a Class A felony. Judge Goglas ordered him held without bail. Lynch is scheduled to return to court on December 8, 2025, and faces a potential sentence of 25 years to life in prison if convicted.
Key Facts & Details
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Austin Lynch, 18, of Nesconset |
| Victim | Emily Finn, 18, of Sayville |
| Relationship | Dated for approximately 3.5 years; breakup occurred two weeks before Thanksgiving |
| Incident Date & Time | November 26, 2025, around 9:50 a.m. |
| Incident Location | Lynch’s residence on Shenandoah Boulevard North, Nesconset |
| Alleged Motive Context | Lynch reportedly became obsessive after the breakup, sending repeated calls and messages |
| Victim’s Background | Freshman at SUNY Oneonta, studying early childhood education |
| Defendant’s Background | Planned to enter Marine boot camp in February 2026 |
| Alleged Crime Details | Prosecutors say Lynch shot Finn in the back of the head at point-blank range, then shot himself |
| How Discovered | Lynch’s parents heard gunshots and called 911 |
| Victim Found | Deceased inside home; purse, coat, and car keys still in hand |
| Defendant’s Injuries | Severe facial trauma; treated at Stony Brook University Hospital |
| Charge | Murder in the Second Degree (Class A felony) |
| Arraignment Date | December 4, 2025 |
| Judge | Hon. Philip Goglas |
| Bail Status | Remanded without bail |
| Next Court Date | December 8, 2025 |
| Potential Sentence | 25 years to life in prison |
In the aftermath of the shooting, family and friends created a GoFundMe campaign titled “In Memory of Emily Finn — Support Her Loved Ones,” which has raised more than $95,000.00. The fundraiser was launched to help Emily’s family manage funeral expenses and provide support as they cope with the loss. Thousands of donors have contributed messages of sympathy, reflecting the deep impact Emily’s death has had on the community.
