Long Island, New York — A heartfelt message written by Victoria Castle, a doctoral student whose death has shocked the Long Island community, has resurfaced after prosecutors accused her brother-in-law of Sєxually ᴀssaulting and murdering her inside the family’s home.

Nearly three years before her death, Castle celebrated her sister’s wedding with a touching Facebook post praising Joseph Horner, the man who is now charged in her killing.

Alongside a pH๏τo of the newlyweds sharing a kiss, Castle wrote:

“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!”
The post has since taken on heartbreaking significance following Horner’s arrest.

Horner, 27, has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with Castle’s death. Prosecutors allege he Sєxually ᴀssaulted and strangled the 26-year-old while his wife was away on a bachelorette trip.

During his arraignment, prosecutors alleged that Horner had been “obsessed” with Castle for years prior to the attack.

According to the Nᴀssau County District Attorney’s Office, the alleged ᴀssault took place on June 29 inside a multi-family home in North Mᴀssapequa, where Horner lived with his wife in an upstairs apartment while Castle occupied a first-floor unit.

Investigators allege Horner asked Castle, who was pursuing a PhD at Stony Brook University, to help him move a piano before attacking her from behind and placing her in a chokehold until she lost consciousness.

Prosecutors further allege that Horner Sєxually ᴀssaulted Castle before contacting emergency services.

Authorities say Horner called 911 after the incident and remained at the home until officers arrived. Investigators allege he admitted responsibility during questioning and was taken into custody at the scene.

Horner is being held without bail while the criminal case proceeds.

News of Castle’s death has prompted an outpouring of grief from friends, classmates, and members of the community.

One former college classmate wrote on Instagram:

“I am absolutely sick to my stomach. She was such a beautiful soul and incredibly intelligent. This is a heartbreaking tragedy.”
Another acquaintance, Sierra Catletti, who said she had known Horner’s family for years, expressed disbelief after learning of the allegations.

“I grew up close to his family and am shocked and sickened by what he did to this beautiful girl,” she wrote. “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.

In a statement, the district emphasized that authorities had informed school officials that the allegations are not connected to the school district or any of its students.

School administrators also acknowledged the emotional impact of the news, describing the allegations as deeply disturbing while ᴀssuring families that they would continue cooperating with investigators.

The criminal case remains ongoing, and Horner is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

Source: New York Post