A 27-year-old Oceanside School District music teacher is behind bars after prosecutors say he killed his sister-in-law inside a North Massapequa apartment. The victim, 25-year-old Victoria Castle, was rushed to a hospital and pronounced dead. The suspect, identified as Joseph Horner, has pleaded not guilty and is being held without bail.
Officers were called to the North Massapequa home around 8:45 a.m. Monday after a male caller asked for an ambulance, Nassau County investigators said. First responders found Castle unresponsive, began CPR and took her to a local hospital, where officials say she was pronounced dead at 9:25 a.m., according to News 12.
Prosecutors allege Horner lured his sister-in-law by asking her to help move a piano, then came up behind her and put her in a chokehold until she lost consciousness. They say he then sexually abused her, changed his clothes and called police, remaining at the apartment until officers arrived, according to ABC7 New York.
Arraignment and reactions
Horner was arraigned on a charge of second-degree murder and entered a not guilty plea. A judge ordered him held without bail. His attorney, Gregory Grizopoulos, pushed back on the accusations, saying, "these allegations are not very in line with what his community friends and family believe." If convicted, prosecutors say Horner faces a possible sentence of 25 years to life in prison, according to ABC7 New York.
Oceanside schools respond
The Oceanside School District confirmed that the staff member has been placed on administrative leave and emphasized that the charges appear unrelated to students. "This staff member has been placed on administrative leave effective immediately, pending further review," Superintendent Phyllis Harrington said. The district added that it had no additional information to share while law enforcement continues its work, according to News 12.
About the victim
Castle was identified as a 25-year-old doctoral student pursuing a Ph.D. at Stony Brook University, where she worked as a research assistant in the geology department. Family members became emotional in the courtroom as the case began to move forward. Public details about her funeral arrangements have not yet been released, according to Daily Voice.
Legal notes
Horner is charged with murder in the second degree, defined under New York Penal Law §125.25 as a class A‑I felony. The offense carries an indeterminate sentence that can include up to life in prison. For background on the statute and potential sentencing ranges, see FindLaw.
What’s next
The Nassau County Police Homicide Squad is continuing its investigation, and prosecutors say the case remains active. Horner is scheduled to return to court for further proceedings. Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact investigators.
