Emily Finn’s mom reveals these prophetic words from slain teen before tragic Long Island murder-suicide

“Anger is just the result of hurt,” she repeatedly reminded herself a few weeks ago while driving home to West Sayville. Those words are now the advice Miller‑Finn follows after the dancer was senselessly shot dead last week by her former boyfriend, 18‑year‑old Austin Lynch, in a botched murder‑suicide.

The pews of St. John’s were filled as the 18‑year‑old’s final service began. Miller‑Finn, eyes brimming, called her daughter a “pure angel,” recalling the Girl Scout who went from kindergarten straight through high school, and a freshman at SUNY Oneonta with a dream of becoming a teacher. She had also found time to join the college’s 160‑member dance team.

“She had a calling – her path was to teach and then her dancing would follow. She was going to dance, teach, and savor life,” Miller‑Finn said.

Unfortunately, Finn’s bright future was abruptly cut short on Nov. 26 during an act of violence.

After their three‑year relationship ended, Finn went to Lynch’s house in Nesconset to return some items. He shot her before turning the gun on himself, police said. Lynch survived the attempt, despite shooting himself in the face.

A family friend described Lynch as “heartbroken” after his “puppy love” romance with Finn concluded as she headed off to college.

Once medically cleared, he will likely face a second‑degree murder charge, a spokesperson for the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office said.

His name was never mentioned at the funeral, where mourners were invited to wear a splash of pink—Finn’s favorite color—and donate to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

Finn’s contagious energy still resonated during the service. Her cousin Luke strummed “Hallelujah” on the guitar and shared how he was looking forward to celebrating a birthday with the younger Finn.

“But then what happened was, all of a sudden, my birthday party was full of all princess decorations,” he laughed, drawing chuckles from the crowd.

Miller‑Finn told those in attendance that Finn has been communicating “signs” from the other side—flickering lights at home and a stray cat meowing outside the wake. Finn had rescued that cat in June, she explained.

“She’s really telling us she’s at peace,” Miller‑Finn said. “It brings me so much comfort to know she’s happy.”

Yet the pain and unanswered questions remain. She turns to Finn’s counsel on anger for comfort.

“It’s obvious there’s a lot of anger,” Miller‑Finn admitted. “All the questions still stand. Things will need time to heal.”