LI teen who killed ex in botched murder-suicide was heartbroken about ‘puppy love’ ending: family friend

Long Island teen tragedy

A Long Island teenager fatally shot his ex-girlfriend in what authorities describe as a failed murder-suicide, leaving her dead and him critically injured. The young man, who survived a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the face, now faces second-degree murder charges while recovering in the hospital.

Young couple and breakup

Emily Finn, 18, was in her first year of college when the relationship ended, while her ex-boyfriend was preparing to join the military. Their decision to break up came as they realized their youthful romance, described as “puppy love,” no longer fit their changing lives.

Visit before the shooting

On the morning of the shooting, Emily went to the teen’s home in Nesconset to return his belongings after the breakup. Police say he shot her inside the house around 11:10 a.m., before turning the gun on himself in an apparent suicide attempt.

Family friend’s perspective

A longtime family friend said the boy was devastated by the end of the relationship and struggled to cope with the emotional fallout. The acquaintance rejected claims that Emily provoked him, stressing that she did nothing to cause the violent outburst.

Emotional immaturity and impulse

The friend noted that at such a young age, the frontal lobe is not fully developed, making it harder to manage intense emotions after a breakup. He condemned the teen’s actions, saying heartbreak never justifies violence, even when it feels like a world-ending event.

Condition of the accused teen

The alleged shooter is spending his 18th birthday and Thanksgiving in a hospital bed, recovering from his injuries. Officials report that he is in critical but stable condition and will be arraigned once his health permits.

Family reactions

According to the family friend, the teen’s parents are devastated and are not excusing or denying what their son did. They have stayed away from their home since the incident, finding it impossible to return to the place where the shooting occurred.

Remembering Emily Finn

Emily’s family chose not to speak publicly, but an online fundraiser in her memory portrays her as “a true treasure” loved by many. The tribute describes her as a kind and generous young woman, a dancer, an aspiring teacher, and a cherished friend whose absence leaves a deep void.

Legal outlook

Authorities have not released the teen’s name but confirm that he will face a charge of second-degree murder in connection with Emily’s death. The full extent of his long-term injuries has not been detailed, but officials maintain that he remains in critical yet stable condition under guard.

“It was a case of young love that just didn’t make sense anymore. It was clear it wasn’t going to last.”

“Some people are suggesting, ‘She must have provoked him,’ but that’s simply not true.”

“Knowing Emily meant loving her; she wove herself into the lives of those she encountered with her kindness and generosity.”

Author’s summary: A shattered first love, emotional immaturity, and a gun turned a routine breakup visit into a fatal shooting that ended Emily’s life and left her ex facing murder charges.

New York Post — 2025-11-28