A Long Island music teacher faces murder charges in connection with the death of his sister-in-law, a Stony Brook University Ph.D. student, whom prosecutors say he had been obsessing over for more than a decade. Joseph Horner, 27, was charged with second-degree murder in the death of Victoria Castle, 25.
According to felony complaints and statements made by Nassau County prosecutors during Horner's arraignment, he is accused of intentionally causing Castle's death. Prosecutors allege Horner lured Castle to a North Massapequa home on June 29 by asking for her help to move a piano while his wife was away on a bachelorette trip. The complaint further alleges that Horner then placed Castle in a chokehold, sexually assaulted her, and strangled her.
Horner was arrested at the scene after police responded to a 911 call requesting an ambulance for a woman who was not breathing. Officers found Castle unresponsive inside the residence. She was transported to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Prosecutors stated that Horner called 911 himself after the attack and remained at the home until police arrived. He reportedly admitted to detectives that he committed the killing. Horner's attorney, Gregory Grizopoulos, acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations but urged the public to reserve judgment, noting Horner's reputation as a teacher and his family's devastation.
Castle was pursuing a Ph.D. at Stony Brook University and also worked there as a research assistant. Social media posts indicate a close family relationship, with Castle having previously shared a celebratory message about her sister's marriage to Horner.
Horner is employed as a music teacher in the Oceanside School District. Following his arrest, the district placed him on administrative leave pending further review, stating that authorities informed them the allegations have no connection to the school district or its students. The district emphasized its commitment to maintaining a safe and trustworthy environment.
If convicted of second-degree murder, Horner could face a sentence of 25 years to life in state prison. He is scheduled to return to Nassau District Court on Thursday.