Teen Accused In Emily Finn Killing Committed To State Mental Health Facility: DA

NESCONSET, NY — The Nesconset teen indicted in the killing of his ex-girlfriend Emily Finn has been committed to a New York State mental health hospital following a court-ordered psychiatric evaluation, the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office said.

Austin Lynch, 18, is charged with second-degree murder in the death of Finn, an 18-year-old Sayville resident and SUNY Oneonta freshman.

According to the DA’s office, Lynch has been committed to a New York State Office of Mental Health hospital until he can understand the charges against him and aid in his defense. His status will be reviewed in one year, unless he is found fit to proceed sooner and returned to court earlier, prosecutors said.

Finn was fatally shot inside Lynch’s home on Shenandoah Boulevard North on the morning of Nov. 26, police said. Prosecutors said Finn went to the residence to speak with Lynch in person following the end of their relationship and to return belongings.

As Finn prepared to leave, Lynch shot her in the back of the head with a family shotgun before turning the weapon on himself, District Attorney Ray Tierney said. Lynch was transported to Stony Brook University Hospital with severe facial injuries.

A Suffolk County grand jury later indicted Lynch on a charge of second-degree murder, the DA’s office said. He was arraigned on Dec. 4 before Judge Philip Goglas, where he pleaded not guilty and was remanded without bail, according to court records.

Subsequent conferences before Judge Anthony Senft Jr. were adjourned as additional reports and investigations were ordered. At a later hearing, the defense requested a 730 exam, a psychiatric evaluation used to determine a defendant’s fitness to proceed.

Following that evaluation, Lynch was committed to the state mental health hospital, the DA’s office said.

Lynch could return to court sooner than one year if he is deemed no longer incapacitated, prosecutors said. If convicted on the top charge, he faces 25 years to life in prison.

Lynch is represented by defense attorney William Douglas Wexler, who did not immediately respond to a request for comment.