Tragic Loss of Teenager Emily Finn
The heartfelt words of murdered teenager Emily Finn continue to resonate with her mother, Criantha Millerfinn. Recently, during a drive home, Emily had reminded her, “Anger comes as a result of hurt.”
In the wake of her daughter’s senseless death—reportedly at the hands of her ex-boyfriend, 18-year-old Austin Lynch—Millerfinn is trying to embrace this advice. Just last week, Finn was shot and killed.
On Monday, a large crowd gathered for Finn’s funeral at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Sayville, a place that holds significance as it was where Finn was baptized and received her first Holy Communion.
With tears in her eyes, Millerfinn referred to her daughter as a “pure angel.” Finn had been involved with the Girl Scouts since kindergarten, was in her first year at SUNY Oneonta studying to become a teacher, and was a member of the university’s dance team.
“She had a calling,” Millerfinn fondly recalled. “She was meant to teach, dance, and embrace life.” But those dreams were shattered by violence on November 26.
Finn had gone to Lynch’s house in Nesconset to return some of his belongings following their breakup, which ended a three-year relationship. Tragically, police say Lynch shot her before attempting to take his own life. He survived, although he sustained severe injuries.
A family friend stated that Lynch was deeply affected by the end of their “puppy love” romance when Finn transitioned to college life.
While Lynch’s name was not mentioned during the funeral service, attendees honored Finn by wearing pink, her favorite color, and were encouraged to contribute to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
The service, however, was more of a celebration of Finn’s spirit. Her cousin Luke played “Hallelujah” on the guitar, sharing a humorous memory of how his birthday celebrations became adorned with “princess decorations” because of Finn’s love for all things whimsical.
Millerfinn shared a moment she believed was a message from Finn, as lights had flickered during the wake, and a lost cat was meowing outside their home. She had brought the rescue cat in back June. “She’s really letting us know,” Millerfinn expressed. “It brings me so much peace to know that she is at peace.”
Yet, Millerfinn also acknowledged the overwhelming anger and unanswered questions that linger. “There’s obviously so much anger,” she admitted. “These questions, they stay with you.” Healing, she noted, would take time.
