Teen indicted for execution-style murder of ex-girlfriend following breakup in Long Island.

A Long Island teenager has been indicted in connection with the “execution-style” murder of his former girlfriend, an 18-year-old named Emily Finn, during a tragic incident shortly before Thanksgiving. The Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office announced the indictment of 18-year-old Austin Lynch, who is alleged to have fatally shot Finn at his Nesconset residence on November 26, just one day before the holiday.

According to prosecutors, Lynch utilized a family shotgun to shoot Finn in the back of the head at point-blank range. The two individuals had been in a relationship for approximately three and a half years, having begun dating as teenagers at the age of 14. Recently, Finn had commenced her studies at SUNY Oneonta, focusing on early childhood education, while Lynch remained on Long Island.

In the weeks leading up to her death, Finn ended their relationship. Following the breakup, Lynch reportedly displayed obsessive behavior, inundating Finn with calls and messages, despite her attempts to cease communication by blocking his number. Prosecutor reports indicate that he resorted to contacting her through a family member’s phone and persisted in messaging her on social media platforms. Witnesses described Lynch as being distressed, and he had allegedly expressed suicidal thoughts on several occasions.

On the morning of November 26, Finn returned home from college for the Thanksgiving holiday and visited Lynch’s home to return some of his belongings. As she prepared to leave around 10 a.m., Lynch is accused of shooting her before attempting to take his own life, inflicting severe injuries to his face. Lynch’s parents, who were in the backyard at the time, rushed inside upon hearing the gunfire, and his father promptly contacted emergency services.

When Suffolk County police arrived at the scene, they discovered Finn with her car keys in hand and her purse beside her, clearly indicating her intent to leave. Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney described the incident as a tragic loss, stating that Finn’s life and potential were unjustly taken.

Following the shooting, Lynch, who had turned 18 just a day after the incident, was hospitalized due to significant injuries, including facial fractures and a cranial leak. He appeared in Suffolk County Court and pleaded not guilty to one charge of second-degree murder. Authorities have ordered him to be held without bail, and if convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in prison. Lynch is scheduled to return to court for further proceedings on December 8.

This incident underscores the serious implications of domestic violence and mental health issues in relationships, highlighting the critical need for awareness and intervention.