A Long Island man has been arrested and charged after a 25-year-old Ph.D. student was found dead in her North Massapequa home. The music teacher accused of killing sister-in-law, Joseph Horner, 27, was taken into custody at the scene and charged with second-degree murder, Nassau County police said.
Officials say the woman, identified as Victoria Castle, was found unresponsive inside a North Oak Street residence on June 29 and was later pronounced dead at a hospital. A felony complaint filed in Nassau District Court alleges Horner intentionally caused Castle’s death, though the complaint filed publicly to date offers limited detail.
What happened
Police responded at about 8:44 a.m. to a 911 call reporting a woman not breathing. Officers found Castle unconscious inside the house and she was taken to a nearby hospital where she was pronounced dead, authorities said.
Horner was arrested at the scene and charged with second-degree murder. Court records show he is scheduled to return to Nassau District Court in Mineola for further proceedings.
Music teacher accused of killing sister-in-law: charge details
Horner faces a second-degree murder charge, a conviction for which can carry a sentence of 25 years to life in state prison. The felony complaint alleges intentional causation but contains limited detail in the public filing so far.
Some specifics have circulated in other outlets. The New York Post reported additional allegations about motive and conduct; those claims remain reported allegations and have not been independently verified in public court filings. Fox News Digital has reported on the arraignment and has requested the transcript to confirm prosecutors’ on-the-record statements.
Timeline and location
The events unfolded in North Massapequa on Long Island. Authorities say the 911 call came from a North Oak Street residence early on June 29. Horner was arrested at that address, and Castle was pronounced dead after being taken to a hospital.
Court records list a return date to Nassau District Court in Mineola for Horner. Officials have not released a detailed timeline beyond the events on June 29 and the initial arraignment record entered in court files.
Official responses and school action
The Oceanside School District confirmed Horner worked as a music teacher and said the staff member has been placed on administrative leave effective immediately. Superintendent Dr. Phyllis Harrington said the district understands the news is “deeply disturbing,” and that authorities informed them the allegations “have no connection to the school district or its students.”
Horner’s attorney, Gregory Grizopoulos, told News12 Long Island the allegations are serious and urged the public not to rush to judgment. He contrasted the allegations with Horner’s reputation as a teacher and said the family is devastated by both the death and the charges.
What comes next in the case
Horner is due to return to Nassau County court in Mineola for further proceedings. Reporters will seek the felony complaint, the arraignment transcript and any subsequent filings or grand jury records if presented; those documents are the appropriate primary sources for confirming or refuting detailed allegations now circulating in other media reports.
Fox News Digital has requested the arraignment transcript from Nassau County Court to review prosecutors’ on-the-record statements. The Nassau County District Attorney’s Office has declined to comment beyond the court record from the initial arraignment.
Background and community impact
Victoria Castle was reported to be a doctoral student and research assistant at Stony Brook University. Social posts and public tributes referenced family ties and earlier celebrations; some social content noted a family connection through marriage less than three years before her death.
The community and the school district are processing the arrest and its implications. Officials have emphasized student safety and the separation of the allegations from school activities while the criminal case proceeds.
Key takeaways
- A music teacher has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder after a woman was found dead in North Massapequa on June 29.
- The charge of second-degree murder carries a potential sentence of 25 years to life if convicted.
- Some detailed allegations have been reported by other outlets; those claims remain allegations until confirmed in court records.
Frequently asked questions
What are the charges against Joseph Horner?
Horner is charged with second-degree murder, a felony that can carry 25 years to life in state prison upon conviction. The felony complaint filed so far alleges intentional causation but does not include extensive detail.
When is the next court date and what happens then?
Court records show Horner is scheduled to return to Nassau District Court in Mineola. At follow-up hearings prosecutors may present additional filings; reporters typically request the arraignment transcript and any subsequent filings to confirm on-the-record statements and charges.
What did the Oceanside School District say about the case?
The district placed the staff member on administrative leave effective immediately. Superintendent Dr. Phyllis Harrington said the district was informed the allegations have no connection to its students and reaffirmed a commitment to a safe environment.
Sources: This report is based on reporting by Fox News Digital and the public court record from Nassau County District Court. Fox News Digital coverage: https://www.foxnews.com/us/music-teacher-accused-luring-killing-phd-student-sister-in-law-years-long-obsession-report. For court filings and docket information reporters consult the New York State courts for Nassau County: https://ww2.nycourts.gov/locations/counties/nassau. Specific allegations reported by other outlets are noted here as unverified reports until confirmed in primary court documents.
We will update this article as court records, transcripts or official statements provide new, verifiable details.
