Crime Stories with Nancy Grace

Episode: “Teen Ballerina Gunned Down by Ex-BF in Thanksgiving Break Bloodbath | Crime Alert 6AM 12.04.2025”
Date: December 4, 2025
Host: Jennifer Gould (Crime Alert news segment anchor for Nancy Grace)

Episode Overview

This episode focuses on the heart-wrenching, real-life murder of 18-year-old ballerina Emily Finn, who was shot and killed by her ex-boyfriend Austin Lynch during Thanksgiving break. The segment reflects on the devastating aftermath, including the community’s response and ongoing legal proceedings. The episode also covers two quick additional cases: the murder of Narita Martell in Florida and an unusual criminal charge against a commuter in Greenwich.

Main Story: The Emily Finn Case

Key Points:

• 18-year-old Emily Finn, a beloved ballerina and Sayville High School graduate, returned home from SUNY college for Thanksgiving.
• She visited the home of her ex-boyfriend, Austin Lynch (an 18-year-old Marine recruit), to return his belongings after their recent breakup.
• The meeting turned violent: Lynch allegedly killed Finn using a legally-owned 12-gauge shotgun, then attempted suicide but survived.
• Lynch’s parents were present, heard the gunshots, and called 911.
• Lynch faces second-degree murder charges; he will be arraigned as an adult once medically cleared.
• The community honors Emily, notably her dance school dedicating their Nutcracker performance to her memory.

Detailed Segment Breakdown

Chilling Motive and Tragic Events

• [00:03] Jennifer Gould opens with:

  "He couldn't live without her, so he made sure no one else could. That's the chilling motive behind the senseless execution of 18-year-old ballerina Emily Finn, who was allegedly murdered by her heartbroken ex-boyfriend Austin Lynch.”

• The relationship had lasted three-and-a-half years and ended as their futures diverged — Emily at SUNY, Lynch newly enlisted in the Marines.

• [00:30] Emotional tribute:

  Emily’s friend Maya Toth tells CBS 2:
  "I can't believe this happened to her. She didn't deserve that."
  "I'm gonna miss her so much."

Timeline of the Murder

• [00:46] Key timeline details:
  • Occurred around 11:10am in Descanset, NY, just days after Thanksgiving.
  • Emily was returning remnants of their relationship when Lynch retrieved a shotgun and killed her instantly with two shots.
  • He then attempted suicide but survived and was hospitalized under police guard.

Case Details & Community Reaction

• Police say the incident was not premeditated beyond the initial breakup meeting.

• Lynch’s parents immediately called 911.

• Suffolk County authorities ensure Lynch will be formally charged once health permits.

• Outpouring of community grief:

  • Trees outside Emily's dance studio decked in pink ribbons (Emily’s favorite color).
  • This year’s Nutcracker ballet at her studio will be dedicated to her.

• [01:37] Jennifer Gould summarizes:

  “Finn, a beloved dancer who had returned home from college for break, was pronounced dead at the scene.”

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• Jennifer Gould:

  “He couldn't live without her, so he made sure no one else could. That's the chilling motive behind the senseless execution of 18-year-old ballerina Emily Finn...” (00:03)

• Maya Toth (Emily’s friend):

  “I can't believe this happened to her. She didn't deserve that. I'm gonna miss her so much.” (00:33)

• Jennifer Gould:

  “The savage scene unfolded around 11:10am in Descanset, New York just days after Thanksgiving. Finn, a SUNY freshman, had returned home from break and stopped by Lynch's home... to return the last remnants of their three and a half year romance.” (00:46)

• Jennifer Gould:

  “Tributes of pink ribbons, Finn's favorite color, adorn the trees outside her dance studio. Her dance instructors announced that this year's production of the Nutcracker... will be dedicated to her memory.” (01:59)

Additional Crime Alerts

Florida Domestic Violence Homicide ([05:01])

• 40-year-old Sol Garcia Gonzalez is accused of murdering his partner, Narita Martell, after she tried to end their abusive relationship.
• He staged a distress call and delayed filing a missing person report, but cell data and surveillance led to his arrest.
• Quote:

  “Martell's impending independence tragically became the catalyst for her murder. Authorities believe she wanted to finally terminate the abusive relationship...” (05:09)

Odd Crime: Escalator Fine in Greenwich ([07:23])

• Michaela Copeland faces charges and a $1,300 fine for walking the wrong way on a railway escalator, violating local bylaws.
• Quote:

  “She’s accused of using the moving staircase in a direction, quote, ‘other than intended for travel’...” (07:43)

Memorable Moments

• The heartbreak and shock in Maya Toth’s voice as she reflects on her friend’s murder.
• The poignant visual of pink ribbons and a Nutcracker ballet dedicated to Emily Finn.
• The forensic breakdown of how cell phone and surveillance evidence unraveled a staged missing person case in Florida.
• The unusual comedic relief of a costly escalator violation amidst somber stories.

Important Timestamps

• 00:03 – Introduction of Emily Finn’s murder and chilling motive
• 00:33 – Maya Toth’s tribute to Emily
• 00:46–02:00 – Detailed account of the murder, aftermath, and community response
• 05:01–07:23 – Brief summaries of two additional crime stories: Florida homicide and Greenwich escalator charge

Tone & Language

The segment is urgent, empathetic, and direct—reflective of Nancy Grace’s signature “Crime Stories” style. Emotion and fact are tightly interwoven, balancing human tragedy with hard details and brisk narrative momentum.

Summary

This episode delivers a powerful, concise retelling of an unthinkable crime rooted in teenage heartbreak that upended a family and community. Through narrative clarity, vivid details, and heartfelt tributes, listeners receive both a factual case update and a glimpse into the emotional toll of violent loss. The episode concludes with two quick-hit crime stories, underscoring the unpredictable and often tragic breadth of modern crime.