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Judge Rules Austin Lynch Incompetent to Stand Trial, Orders Psychiatric Commitment

The case now pauses under New York law pending treatment that could restore his competency for a future trial.

Overview

  • A Suffolk judge ordered the 18-year-old committed to a New York State Office of Mental Health hospital until he can understand the charges and assist his lawyer.
  • Criminal proceedings are suspended under state law, with yearly competency reviews set and no objection from prosecutors.
  • Lynch is charged with second-degree murder in the Nov. 26 killing of his ex-girlfriend, Emily Finn, whom authorities say was shot in the back of the head as she left his Nesconset home.
  • Prosecutors say he then shot himself and survived, and they have cited messages and crime-scene evidence, including a shotgun loaded with two shells.
  • The defense sought a psychiatric exam in December, and multiple evaluations since then found him incapacitated, which the judge adopted on Friday.