The quiet Suffolk County hamlet of Nesconset was shaken by a violent and tragic incident involving two teenagers just days after Thanksgiving.

Austin Lynch, 18, allegedly shot and killed his ex-girlfriend Emily Finn in a premeditated murder attempt before unsuccessfully trying to take his own life inside his family's home on Nov. 26, as the New York Post reports, with a note penned by the accused offering disturbing insights.

Authorities say the fatal encounter happened in the living room of the Lynch family residence when Finn, 18, came by to return his belongings following their recent breakup. The two teens had dated for three years. That visit ended in horror when Lynch allegedly retrieved a Charles Daly 12-gauge semiautomatic shotgun, shot Finn in the back of the head, and then attempted suicide -- but only sustained a superficial injury to his nose.

Prosecutors say plan was in motion for days

Suffolk County prosecutors have stated that evidence supports a clear level of premeditation in the killing. The shotgun used in the incident was reportedly cleaned two days prior, and Lynch had deliberately loaded it with two shells. These details suggest he had planned the murder and his own death in advance.

Authorities discovered a long, disturbing message Lynch had written in the notes section of his iPhone six days prior to the shooting. The cracked-screen device was examined by the county’s Digital Forensics Unit, which obtained access by warrant. The note revealed a disturbing window into Lynch’s emotional distress and increasing instability following the breakup.

In one part of the message, Lynch expressed fury and accused Finn of being unfaithful, referencing her independence and alleged interest in another boy after he planned to enlist in the Marines. He wrote that he believed she would not remain loyal while he was away and referred to her with hostile language.

Digital note exposes suspect’s state of mind

The iPhone note also detailed Lynch’s isolation and despair. He wrote that he had no one reaching out to him besides his military recruiter and explained that he had initially hoped for a reconciliation. At one point, he mentioned that he had decided to “leave this place” -- a likely reference to his intended suicide -- on the very day of the attack, November 26, which he referred to as the day before his 18th birthday.

Lynch also mentioned a troubling episode from a visit in October to the State University of New York at Oneonta, where Finn was attending college. During that trip, Lynch reportedly called her derogatory names and told a friend afterward that he needed to show her how angry he was. Investigators believe that those earlier outbursts were precursors to the tragic events weeks later.

After the failed suicide attempt, Lynch was taken into custody. He appeared in court with a large white bandage across his nose, dressed in a green and white striped prison uniform. Despite the close-range gunfire, he showed no other visible injuries during the arraignment.

Victim remembered as community rallies in grief

Emily Finn was laid to rest on Dec. 1 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Sayville. Friends, family members, and classmates gathered to honor her memory, wearing pink -- her favorite color — in her remembrance. Donations were collected at the service for the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence in her name.

Many mourners expressed shock that Finn, described as bright and compassionate, had fallen victim to such cruelty. The tight-knit community has since begun discussing the warning signs of abusive relationships and the importance of mental health support for adolescents.

Lynch has been charged with murder and faces life imprisonment if convicted. Authorities continue to build their case, bolstered by forensic evidence, the recovered digital note, and witness interviews. No trial date has been publicly set as of yet.

Lessons to Learn

1. Pay attention to warning signs in relationships. Emotional manipulation, possessiveness, and threats are all red flags that should be taken seriously. In Lynch's case, past verbal abuse and erratic behavior foreshadowed the tragic escalation. Friends and family should never ignore such signs.

2. Young people need access to mental health support. Lynch’s note revealed a deep emotional crisis and lack of support. Increased access to counseling services, especially for teens navigating breakups, life changes, or isolation, is critical in preventing harmful behavior or self-destruction.

3. Domestic violence can affect anyone, regardless of age or gender. This story underscores that abuse isn't limited to adults or physical violence -- it can take emotional and psychological forms, especially among teens. Nobody is ever to blame for being a victim of violence, and community support must continue to focus on prevention and awareness.

Why This Story Matters

This case is a stark reminder that domestic violence can affect individuals at any age, including adolescents.

It sheds light on the critical need for early intervention, mental health education, and healthy relationship awareness among teenagers.

The tragedy of Emily Finn's death has prompted community-wide reflection on how to better protect and support vulnerable young people.