A Long Island music teacher meticulously planned the murder and rape of his sister-in-law for nearly ten years, culminating in an attack on June 28, Nassau County prosecutors stated Wednesday. Joseph Horner, 27, is accused of repeatedly entering the downstairs apartment of 25-year-old Victoria Castle to view explicit photos of her before carrying out the crime.
Assistant District Attorney Alexander DePalo stated in court that Horner admitted to planning the attack since 2017 and that video evidence shows him practicing the chokehold he intended to use. According to prosecutors, Horner lured Castle to her death by asking for help moving a keyboard. He then allegedly ambushed her from behind, applied the chokehold until she was unconscious, removed her clothing, and proceeded to rape her. He is then said to have calmly awaited police arrival.
Prosecutors detailed that just 15 minutes prior to the attack, Horner allegedly practiced the chokehold on a stuffed animal. They also reported that he took a FaceTime call from his wife, who was away on a bachelorette trip, acting as if nothing had happened before continuing the assault. Nassau County DA Anne Donnelly said Horner "acted like he hadn’t just left her sister lying on a bed."
Horner, a music teacher in the Oceanside School District, pleaded not guilty to the charges. He was ordered held without bail by Nassau County Judge Howard Sturim. Castle, a PhD student at Stony Brook University, lived in the same North Massapequa home as Horner and his wife.
Horner faces charges including first-degree and second-degree murder, and two counts of first-degree rape. If convicted, he could face life in prison without parole.