Thanksgiving Day should have been a big celebration with food, family, and fun, but instead, a family on New York’s Long Island dealt with a shocking death. Emily Finn, 18, died from a gunshot wound in an apparent murder-suicide attempt. Her ex-boyfriend, 17-year-old Austin Lynch, reportedly shot her and then turned the gun on himself. Shockingly, Lynch survived, but life will never again be the same for either of their families.
The New York Post reported that Finn recently graduated from Sayville High School and was an accomplished ballerina. Per social media posts, Finn and Lynch dated, but details about the breakup and timeline remain unclear. Suffolk County Detective Lieutenant Kevin Beyrer told GreaterLongIsland.com that Finn went to Lynch’s home on Wednesday morning to return some of his belongings. The shooting occurred around 11 a.m., and Lynch’s parents reportedly called 911 for help.
Per a news release from the Suffolk County Police Department, emergency responders pronounced Finn dead on the scene. They transported Lynch to an area hospital for treatment of a gunshot wound to the face. He remains in critical, but stable condition. Police noted he would face second-degree murder charges at a later date.
The New York Post reported the shooting occurred one day before Lynch turned 18. Due to the timeline, it will remain up to a court to determine whether Lynch will face charges as a juvenile or an adult.
Kathy Kairns-Scholz, Finn’s former instructor at the American Ballet Studio in Bayport, felt shocked by the news of her death.
“She was dedicated and worked 100% all the time,” the instructor said. “She knew everything. She picked choreography up very quickly and had a great mind that she could retain everything. A beautiful performer,” she said. “There wasn’t a person that didn’t like her.”
Loved ones created a GoFundMe to help with Finn’s final expenses.
“To know Emily is to love her, as she became part of the fabric of the lives she touched in her generous and kind way. Through her many years as a dancer, the children she taught as she prepared for a future as a teacher, and simply as a friend to so many, she will be sorely missed by all who knew her,” a message on the fundraiser reads.
Police claim the couple had no history of domestic issues. From her Instagram page, they smiled like a happy teenage couple. Sadly, something happened between them that apparently left Lynch feeling desperate. Hopefully, both of their families and friends will find peace following this heartbreaking situation.
