Parents of accused killer invited his ex-girlfriend to their home before fatal encounter, lawsuit claims
Austin's parents "were keenly aware of the potential for a violent act to be committed by their son," it says.
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The family of a teenage girl who was fatally shot the day before Thanksgiving last year has filed a lawsuit against the alleged shooter’s family, claiming the parents acted negligently before her wrongful death.
Ryan Finn and Cliantha Miller-Finn filed suit against Jason Lynch, Melissa Lynch, and other family members. The lawsuit alleges Jason and Melissa Lynch invited their son’s ex-girlfriend to their home to console him, despite knowing he was mentally unstable and had access to a firearm that was not properly secured.
Last year, then 17-year-old Austin Lynch allegedly fatally shot Emily Finn after she broke up with him over the phone. She had gone to the home while on Thanksgiving break from college to return some items.
Authorities said Austin then attempted to take his own life by turning the shotgun on himself, but survived.
He was later indicted by a grand jury on a murder charge in connection with Finn’s death.
According to the complaint, the parents were aware their son had a history of intense emotional instability and violent episodes, yet allowed him continued access to the weapon.
Austin's parents "were keenly aware of the potential for a violent act to be committed by their son," it says.
The suit claims that within two weeks of the murder, Jason and Melissa Lynch conveyed the Nesconset property to other family members "for $0.0 consideration." They say the suspicious transaction was done to fraudulently hide their asset value.
The Lynch family answered the complaint denying the allegations.
The Finns are seeking compensation that "exceeds the jurisdictional limits of all lower courts;" no dollar figure is given in the lawsuit.
Prosecutors previously said that after the relationship ended, Lynch became increasingly controlling, repeatedly calling and texting Finn and threatening suicide.
They also allege he had planned the murder-suicide attempt before she arrived at the home.
