A New York doctoral student was allegedly raped and murdered by her brother-in-law, who she had described as "one of the most wonderful people in the world" in a wedding day tribute. Victoria Castle, a PhD student at Stony Brook University, was allegedly attacked by Joseph Horner, 27, on June 29 in their shared North Massapequa home.
Prosecutors stated that Horner was obsessed with Castle for over a decade. He is accused of sexually assaulting and strangling her while his wife, Allie Horner, Castle's sister, was away on a bachelorette trip. According to the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office, Horner, a music teacher in the Oceanside School District, lived in the upstairs apartment of the multi-family house, with Castle residing in the ground-floor unit.
Horner allegedly asked Castle to help him move a piano before attacking her from behind. Officials said he placed her in a chokehold until she became unresponsive, at which point he allegedly stripped her naked and raped her. Following the attack, Horner reportedly called 911 and waited for law enforcement to arrive, confessing to detectives that he had committed the act.
He was arrested at the scene and charged with homicide. The alleged crime has cast a dark shadow over a Facebook post Castle made on her sister's wedding day, which included a photo of Joseph and Allie Horner kissing. "My sister, my person, my partner in chaos, is now married to one of the most wonderful people in the world," Castle wrote. "I love you both forever!" The post has taken on a grim new meaning following her death.