In a tragic turn of events before Thanksgiving, 18-year-old Emily Finn was allegedly shot and killed by her ex-boyfriend, Austin Lynch, 18, in his Nesconset home. According to police statements obtained by PEOPLE, the incident occurred on Wednesday, Nov. 26, where Lynch then reportedly turned the gun on himself, shooting himself in the face but surviving. Finn, a recent graduate of Sayville High School from West Sayville, N.Y., died at the scene around 11:10 a.m. local time.
After the botched murder-suicide attempt, having heard the gunshots, Lynch's parents called 911. As reported by The New York Post, distressing images have surfaced showing the former couple at prom, a stark contrast to the violence that unfolded months later. It's a grim reflection of happier times between Finn, seen beaming in a magenta dress, and Lynch, somber in black attire, amidst a relationship that would end in tragedy.
What could have appeared as a young love tale moving from high school prom to an idyllic beach vacation with Lynch's family turned into a horrific scene, with "puppy love" and heartbreak cited by a family friend as a precursive emotional setting for Lynch, as per The New York Post. His mother's Facebook cover photo, which includes Finn in a family beach group shot, has become a haunting reminder of what seemed once a close-knit relationship.
Lynch, now recovering from his self-inflicted injury, is expected to be charged with second-degree murder. As he lies in critical but stable condition at Stony Brook University Hospital, a statement obtained by The New York Post from Suffolk County district attorney officials mentioned that Lynch would be arraigned when deemed medically alert by doctors and a judge. Preliminary social media investigations show Lynch in disquieting poses with a gun, foreshadowing the fatal events that later transpired.
