Greater Long Island reported that a 27‑year‑old Oceanside elementary school music teacher was charged with second-degree murder after a 25‑year‑old Stony Brook University PhD student was found dead in a North Massapequa apartment.
Nassau County Assistant District Attorney Alexander DePalo said the teacher, identified as Joseph Horner, asked the woman to help move a piano, then attacked her from behind, placing her in a chokehold until she lost consciousness. DePalo added that Horner sexually abused the victim while she was unconscious, changed his clothes and called 911 at 8:45 a.m.
First responders performed CPR and transported the victim to a local hospital, where she was pronounced dead at 9:25 a.m.
Horner pleaded not guilty on Tuesday, is being held without bail and faces a possible sentence of 25 years to life if convicted.
The Oceanside School District confirmed Horner’s arrest, placed him on administrative leave and said the charges have no connection to the district or its students.
For more information, visit greaterlongisland.com.