LI Teen Charged In Emily Finn Killing Plotted To Burglarize Her Family’s Home From Jail: DA

NESCONSET, NY — A Nesconset teen already awaiting trial in the killing of his ex-girlfriend, Emily Finn, has now been indicted on a new charge after prosecutors say he orchestrated a plan from jail to have Finn’s family home burglarized.

Austin Lynch, 18, was indicted on a charge of fourth-degree conspiracy for working with another person to target the Finn family residence while members of the victim’s family were still living there, Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney said.

According to investigators, Lynch provided the other person with detailed information about the home’s appearance, layout, and contents, and instructed him on how to get inside the residence, the DA said.

Prosecutors did not identify the co-conspirator.

Lynch was arraigned on the new indictment on March 20, 2026, before Supreme Court Justice Anthony Senft Jr. on the conspiracy charge, a Class E felony, the DA said.

Senft ordered Lynch remanded while the case is pending, prosecutors said. He is due back in court on May 4.

If convicted on the conspiracy charge, Lynch faces up to 1 and a third to 4 years in prison, the DA said.

Lynch is already facing a second-degree murder charge in the death of Emily Finn, 18, and could face 25 years to life in prison if convicted on that top count, prosecutors said.

Lynch has been committed to a New York State Office of Mental Health hospital following a court-ordered psychiatric evaluation to determine whether he is fit to proceed, the DA’s office said. He will remain hospitalized until he is able to understand the charges against him and assist in his defense.

His status will be reviewed in one year, unless he is found fit sooner and returned to court earlier, prosecutors said.

Finn, a Sayville resident and SUNY Oneonta freshman, was fatally shot in November 2025 inside Lynch’s Nesconset home, according to prosecutors. Authorities have said Lynch shot Finn in the back of the head at point-blank range after she went to his home to discuss their breakup and return belongings.

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

“While awaiting trial, this defendant allegedly sought to terrorize the family of Emily Finn, the young woman he is accused of killing,” Tierney said. “Our office will not allow victims and their loved ones to be subjected to further harm.”