Tragic Murder of SUNY Oneonta Freshman Emily Rose Finn: Ex-Boyfriend Charged in Botched Murder-Suicide
Nesconset, New York – December 15, 2025 – The Long Island community continues to grapple with the shocking death of 18-year-old Emily Rose Finn, a talented ballerina and SUNY Oneonta freshman, who was allegedly shot and killed by her ex-boyfriend, Austin Lynch, in a premeditated act on November 26, 2025 – the day before Thanksgiving.
Finn, a bubbly and accomplished young woman from West Sayville, had returned home for the holiday break when she visited Lynch’s family home in Nesconset to return his belongings and seek closure after ending their three-and-a-half-year relationship. What began as a high school romance turned deadly when Lynch, 18, allegedly shot her in the back of the head at point-blank range with a family-owned shotgun as she prepared to leave.
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According to Suffolk County prosecutors, Lynch loaded only two shells into the shotgun – one for Finn and one for himself in a failed suicide attempt. He survived a self-inflicted gunshot to the face and was hospitalized in critical condition before being charged with second-degree murder. Lynch pleaded not guilty at his arraignment and requested a psychiatric evaluation to assess competency.
Assistant District Attorney Dena Rizopoulos detailed the escalating obsession in court: Lynch became “possessive, accusatory, and overbearing” after Finn left for college in August 2025, while he remained on Long Island, enlisting in the Marines with boot camp scheduled for February 2026. He made unannounced trips to campus, including on Halloween, leading to arguments.
Two weeks before the shooting, Finn ended the relationship. Lynch bombarded her with calls and texts, using his mother’s phone after being blocked. He confided in a friend about his anger and suicidal intentions, stating he would be “dead by Wednesday” – the day after the shooting, one day before his 18th birthday.
“The victim’s friend described the two-week point when the defendant shifted to anger,” Rizopoulos told the judge. A disturbing note found reportedly expressed intense hatred toward Finn.
The couple met at age 14 and graduated together from Sayville High School in June 2025. Finn pursued early childhood education with a dance minor, dreaming of becoming a teacher. She trained for years at the American Ballet Studio in Bayport, performing in “The Nutcracker” and inspiring younger dancers.
Tributes flooded in, with mourners wearing pink – her favorite color – to vigils and services. Over 1,000 attended her funeral, where her pink ballet slippers and marching band flute were displayed. A GoFundMe raised nearly $100,000 for her family. The Uvalde Foundation planted a memorial tree in her honor.
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Studio director Kathy Kairns-Scholz called her a “breath of fresh air” with immense potential. Friends described her as kind, generous, and full of life.
Suffolk County DA Raymond Tierney called it “tragic,” stating Finn “should still be alive and back at college.” Lynch faces 25 years to life if convicted.
The case highlights dangers of possessive behavior in young relationships and sparks discussions on mental health and gun access. Finn’s light, as one eulogist said, manifested miracles in those she touched – a legacy that endures amid profound grief.
Rest in peace, Emily Rose Finn.
