A Long Island doctoral student who authorities say was Sєxually ᴀssaulted and killed by her brother-in-law had once publicly described him as “one of the most wonderful people in the world” in a heartfelt message celebrating his marriage to her sister.

Victoria Castle shared the Facebook post following her sister’s wedding, writing alongside a pH๏τo of the newlyweds:

“My sister, my person, my partner in chaos, is now married to one of the most wonderful people in the world. I love you both forever!”
Less than three years later, Joseph Horner, 27, has been charged with second-degree murder in Castle’s death.

According to prosecutors, Horner had been “obsessed” with Castle for more than a decade before the alleged attack and had developed an unhealthy fixation on her over the years.

Authorities allege the incident took place on June 29 at the North Mᴀssapequa home the family shared. Horner and his wife lived in an upstairs apartment, while Castle, a Ph.D. student at Stony Brook University, lived in the ground-floor unit.

Prosecutors say Horner asked Castle to help him move a piano before attacking her from behind and placing her in a chokehold until she lost consciousness. They allege he then Sєxually ᴀssaulted her before strangling her to death.

After the attack, Horner allegedly called 911 and remained at the scene until officers arrived. According to investigators, he admitted to detectives that he had committed the crime and was arrested at the home.

He is currently being held without bail after being charged with second-degree murder.

The case has deeply shaken those who knew Castle.

One former college classmate described her as “such a beautiful soul and incredibly intelligent,” calling her death “a heartbreaking tragedy.”

Another acquaintance, Sierra Catletti, who said she grew up knowing Horner’s family, expressed disbelief over the allegations.

“I grew up close to his family and am shocked and sickened by what he did to this beautiful girl,” she wrote on social media. “Never in a million years would I think he’d be capable of something like this. But I guess you never really know someone.”

Following Horner’s arrest, the Oceanside School District, where he worked as a music teacher, announced that he had been placed on indefinite leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

District officials also emphasized that, according to Nᴀssau County authorities, the allegations have no connection to the school district or its students.

The investigation remains ongoing as prosecutors continue pursuing the case against Horner.
Source: New York Post