abc7ny.com reported that Joseph Horner, a 27-year-old elementary school music teacher, allegedly strangled his 25-year-old sister-in-law, Victoria Castle, to death Monday morning. Prosecutors state the incident occurred in a home on Long Island where Horner lived in an upstairs apartment separate from the victim.
According to prosecutors, Horner asked Castle to help him move a piano in his unit. Once inside, he allegedly attacked her from behind, placed her in a chokehold until she was unconscious and sexually abused her. He then changed his clothes and called the police.
Detective Lt. Daniel Steller of the Nassau County Police Department Homicide Squad said a male caller requested police and an ambulance for a deceased female. Horner waited at the scene while CPR was administered. Castle was transported to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Castle was a doctoral student at Stony Brook University. Horner’s wife was attending a bachelorette party at the time of the attack. The Oceanside School District placed Horner on administrative leave pending further review. An attorney for Horner described him as tenured and well-loved, noting the allegations contrast with how he is perceived by his community.
Horner was held without bail. If convicted, he faces 25 years to life in prison, prosecutors said.
For more information, visit abc7ny.com.