Add The New York Post on Google The accused Long Island puppy love killer charged with gunning down his ex in a botched murder-suicide is fit to stand trial, a Suffolk County judge ruled Thursday.
Austin Lynch, charged with killing coed Emily Finn on Nov. 26 after she dumped him, was initially found psychologically unfit to stand trial after an evaluation in January – but after two follow-up evaluations Judge Anthony Senft ruled he’s fine to face a jury.
Austin Lynch faces 25 years to life in prison if convicted. John Roca. Lynch and Finn were high school sweethearts, but began to drift apart after she left for SUNY Oneonta, ultimately prompting her to break off the relationship.
Over Thanksgiving break, Finn went to speak with her jilted ex, when prosecutors said he shot and killed the promising coed then turned the gun on himself, but survived.
Lynch was arrested and underwent the first of three psych evaluations, which found him unable to stand trial, while the second said he was fit for trial.
Emily Finn poses with Austin Lynch at their senior prom in an undated photo. Instagram/Emily Finn In July, the accused killer was hit with new charges that he tried to hire a fellow inmate to rob Finn’s family, and Senft ordered a third and deciding evaluation.
On Thursday, the judge said he is now going to go on trial, and is due back in court Oct. 19.