Nesconset Teen Ordered To Undergo Psychiatric Exam After Indictment In Killing Of Ex-Girlfriend: DA

NESCONSET, NY — Austin Lynch, the Nesconset teen who was indicted in the execution-style killing of his ex-girlfriend Emily Finn, has been ordered to undergo a psychiatric evaluation as the case moves forward in Suffolk County Court, the District Attorney's office said.

Lynch, 18, is charged with second-degree murder in the killing of Finn, an 18-year-old Sayville resident and SUNY Oneonta freshman who prosecutors say was shot at point-blank range inside Lynch’s home the day before Thanksgiving.

According to prosecutors, Finn went to Lynch’s home on Shenandoah Boulevard North on the morning of Nov. 26 to speak with him in person about their breakup and return some of his belongings.

The pair had dated since they were 14 but recently ended their three-and-a-half-year relationship, the DA said. After the breakup, Lynch is accused of becoming obsessive, repeatedly calling, texting, and messaging Finn from multiple accounts, the DA said.

At around 9:50 a.m., as Finn prepared to leave the house, Lynch reportedly shot her in the back of the head with a family-owned shotgun, the DA said. He then turned the weapon on himself, severely injuring his face, Tierney said.

Lynch’s parents were in the backyard at the time and rushed inside after hearing the gunfire, Tierney said; his father called 911.

Police found Finn dead at the scene with her coat on, car keys still in her hand, and her purse beside her, the DA said.

Finn's funeral took place at West Sayville’s Raynor & D’Andrea Funeral Home on Nov. 30, followed by a service at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Sayville on Dec. 1. A GoFundMe account has been organized to assist her surviving family with expenses.

Finn graduated from Sayville High School in June. She studied ballet at the American Ballet Studio in Bayport. The Sayville community started hanging pink ribbons in trees to honor Finn over Thanksgiving Weekend, according to posts on social media. Sayville High School observed a moment of silence before their varsity football team, the Golden Flashes, won their Long Island Class III Championship game against the Wantagh Warriors on Nov. 28.

Lynch was arraigned on Dec. 4 before Judge Philip Goglas, where he pleaded not guilty and was remanded without bail, according to court records.

Subsequent appearances on Dec. 8 and Dec. 10 before Judge Anthony Senft Jr. were adjourned, and the court ordered additional reports and investigations, records show.

At the Wednesday hearing, the defense requested a 730 exam, a psychiatric evaluation to determine the defendant’s fitness to proceed, the DA’s office confirmed. The case was adjourned to Jan. 20, 2026, in Suffolk County Court – Youth Part.

Lynch faces 25 years to life in prison if convicted on the top count, the DA said.

Lynch is represented by William Douglas Wexler, who was not immediately available for comment.