The Long Island community is left devastated after a young ballerina, Emily Finn, was shot dead in what police describe as a failed murder-suicide committed by her ex-boyfriend, Austin Lynch. The tragedy took place on Wednesday, November 26, shortly after 11:00 a.m.
Eastern Long Island authorities said 18-year-old Finn had visited the home to return some belongings after a recent breakup. Inside, the teenager was fatally shot by the former boyfriend, 17 at the time, who then turned the gun on himself, shooting himself in the face. He survived and was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he remains in critical but stable condition.
“From what we’re hearing, he took the breakup very hard,” said Suffolk Police Detective Lieutenant Kevin Beyrer.
Investigators quickly labeled the incident a “botched murder-suicide.” The suspect is expected to face a second-degree murder charge once he recovers. Because the shooting took place shortly before his 18th birthday, a court will decide whether he will be tried as an adult.
Friends, classmates and members of her former dance studio recall Finn as a devoted student and talented ballerina. She had trained for years at American Ballet Studio in Bayport and had recently started college at SUNY Oneonta.
“She had everything in front of her,” said artistic director Kathy Kairns-Scholz. “She would have been the best teacher, mother and whatever she chose to be. Her personality was warm and welcoming. She was everything a parent would want in a child and teacher would want to have in their classroom.”
In the aftermath of her death, mourners gathered to pay tribute. Outside the studio and at her funeral, many wore pink, which was her favorite color, and tied pink ribbons on trees around the town. Her friends and family described her as kindhearted and bright, someone with a promising future ahead.
“I can’t believe this happened to her. She didn’t deserve that. I’m going to miss her so much,” friend Maia Toth said.
“A great young lady. Had the whole world ahead of her and, she’s very loved and she’ll be very missed,” cousin Francis Finn said.
“She just had that special spark,” said Heather, a friend of the slain teen. “She was so full of life, and she loved her family and her brother and her grandparents so much.”
Those who knew her remember Emily Finn not for the tragedy, but for the passion and hope she brought into every dance and every room she entered. “But we’ll continue to live for her and everything we do. She’ll always be with us,” said friend Maya Truglio.
