A Suffolk County judge has ruled that Austin Lynch, who is accused of killing his ex-girlfriend Emily Finn in a botched murder-suicide on Long Island, is psychologically fit to stand trial. The ruling by Judge Anthony Senft came after two follow-up evaluations.
Lynch was initially found unfit to stand trial following an evaluation in January. The events leading to the charges occurred on November 26, when prosecutors allege Lynch shot and killed Finn before turning the gun on himself. He survived the incident.
Lynch and Finn were described as high school sweethearts, but their relationship became strained after Finn began attending SUNY Oneonta. Finn reportedly went to speak with Lynch over Thanksgiving break, at which point the alleged shooting took place.
In July, Lynch faced new charges, accused of attempting to hire an inmate to rob Finn's family. This led Judge Senft to order a third, decisive psychological evaluation.
Lynch is due back in court on October 19. If convicted, he faces a potential sentence of 25 years to life in prison.