First, police and prosecutors accuse Austin Lynch of killing Emily Finn. Now, authorities say the accused killer went a step further, allegedly tormenting the victim’s family by orchestrating a brazen scheme to burglarize their home.
Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced that Lynch, 18, of Nesconset, has been indicted for Conspiracy in the Fourth Degree. Prosecutors allege that while jailed and awaiting trial for Finn’s murder, Lynch directed another individual to break into the family’s residence.
“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.” He added that the case underscores his office’s commitment to protecting victims’ families from continued intimidation.
According to investigators, Lynch allegedly provided the would-be burglar with detailed information about the home’s layout, appearance and contents, and gave instructions on how to gain entry. Authorities said members of Finn’s family were still living in the home at the time of the alleged plot, heightening concerns about their safety.
Lynch was arraigned March 20 before Supreme Court Justice Anthony S. Senft, Jr., who ordered him remanded while the case proceeds. He is due back in court on May 4.
If convicted of the conspiracy charge, Lynch faces up to 1⅓ to 4 years in prison. He is already facing a potential sentence of 25 years to life if convicted of second-degree murder in connection with Finn’s death.
Lynch is represented by attorney William Wexler. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Dena Rizopoulos and Keri Wasson, following an investigation by Suffolk County Police Detective Adam Quinones.