A North Massapequa community is reeling after a local music teacher was arrested and charged with second-degree murder in the death of his 25-year-old sister-in-law.
Joseph Horner, 27, an elementary school music teacher in the Oceanside School District, was taken into custody on Monday, June 29, following the discovery of Victoria Castle, a doctoral student at Stony Brook University, in her ground-floor apartment.
According to the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office, the incident occurred while Horner’s wife was out of town attending a bachelorette party. Prosecutors allege that Horner, who lived in an upstairs unit of the same multi-family home on North Oak Street, lured Castle to his apartment under the pretense of asking for help moving a piano.
Once inside, investigators claim Horner attacked the victim from behind, placing her in a fatal chokehold. Prosecutors further detailed allegations that Horner then sexually assaulted the victim. Shortly after the attack, at approximately 8:45 a.m., Horner contacted emergency services. He remained at the scene and admitted his actions to responding officers. Castle was rushed to a local hospital, where she was pronounced dead less than an hour later.
During his arraignment in First District Court in Hempstead on Tuesday, Horner pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder. He is currently being held without bail.
The case has drawn significant attention due to the defendant’s position as a teacher and the disturbing nature of the allegations. Prosecutors revealed that Horner had allegedly harbored an obsession with Castle dating back to 2017, the year after they first met.
The Oceanside School District confirmed that Horner has been placed on administrative leave. In a statement, Superintendent Phyllis Harrington acknowledged the gravity of the news, noting that the district was working closely with law enforcement.
”These are very serious and disturbing allegations, and there’s a very stark contrast between the allegations and his beloved reputation that he had as a teacher,” said Horner’s defense attorney, Gregory Grizopoulos, who stated that his client’s family is devastated by both the loss of Victoria Castle and the charges against their son.
The investigation is ongoing as authorities continue to process evidence. If convicted of second-degree murder, Horner faces a potential sentence of 25 years to life in prison.
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