A New York music teacher has been charged with second-degree murder in the death of his sister-in-law, a 25-year-old doctoral student at Stony Brook University, after prosecutors said he harbored an obsession with her for more than a decade. Joseph Horner, 27, was arrested at the scene on June 29 after police responded to a 911 call at a home in North Massapequa, where they found Victoria Castle unconscious. She was taken to a hospital and pronounced dead.
According to statements made by Nassau County prosecutors during Horner's arraignment, as reported by the New York Post, Horner allegedly lured Castle to the residence by asking her to help move a piano while his wife was away on a bachelorette trip. Prosecutors further alleged that Horner then placed Castle in a chokehold, sexually assaulted her, and strangled her. The felony complaint filed in Nassau District Court charges that Horner intentionally caused Castle's death but does not provide specific details on the allegations.
Horner called 911 after the attack and remained at the home until police arrived, according to prosecutors. He reportedly admitted to detectives that he committed the killing. The Nassau County District Attorney's Office has declined to comment beyond the record made during the June 30 arraignment. Fox News Digital has requested the arraignment transcript for independent review.
Nassau County police responded at approximately 8:44 a.m. on June 29 to a residence on North Oak Street after receiving a 911 call requesting an ambulance for a woman who was not breathing. Officers found Castle unconscious inside the home, and she was later pronounced dead at a hospital. Horner was arrested at the scene and charged with second-degree murder.
Court records show Horner is scheduled to return to Nassau District Court in Mineola on Thursday morning. If convicted of second-degree murder, he could face a sentence of 25 years to life in state prison.
Victoria Castle was pursuing a PhD at Stony Brook University and worked there as a research assistant, according to her Facebook account. Less than three years before her death, she posted a heartfelt message celebrating her sister's marriage to Horner, writing, «My sister, my person, my partner in chaos, is now married to one of the most wonderful people in the world. I love you both forever!»
Horner is employed as a music teacher in the Oceanside School District. Following his arrest, the district announced he had been placed on administrative leave. Superintendent Dr. Phyllis Harrington said in a statement, «We understand that this news is deeply disturbing.» District officials noted that Nassau County authorities informed them the allegations «have no connection to the school district or its students.» The district added, «This staff member has been placed on administrative leave effective immediately, pending further review. The Oceanside School District is committed to maintaining a safe, professional, and trustworthy environment for our students, staff, and community.»
Horner's attorney, Gregory Grizopoulos, acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations but urged the public not to rush to judgment. «These are very serious and disturbing allegations, and there's a very stark contrast between the allegations and his beloved reputation that he had as a teacher, with both his students and his fellow teachers,» Grizopoulos told News12 Long Island. «His family is devastated by the loss of their family member, Victoria, as well as the allegations against their son, Joe. We'll continue to evaluate the evidence as more details are disclosed to us.»
