A Nassau County grand jury arraignment on Tuesday revealed that an Oceanside School District music teacher allegedly strangled and sexually abused his sister-in-law on Monday, June 30, 2026, inside their shared North Massapequa residence.
Nassau County police arrested 27-year-old Joseph Horner and charged him with one count of second-degree murder following the death of Victoria Castle, 25, a geology PhD student at Stony Brook University.
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Authorities responded to the multi-family home at 285 N Oak Street around 8:45 a. m.
after Horner placed a 911 call to request medical assistance for an unresponsive female, waiting outside for the arrival of emergency personnel.
Investigation Details
Det. Lt.
Daniel Steller, deputy commanding officer of the NCPD Homicide Squad, said the suspect lived in the upstairs apartment while the victim resided on the ground level.
Horner's wife of three years was away attending a bachelorette party during the homicide.
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According to prosecutors, Horner confessed to harboring a sexual desire for Castle since 2017 and lured her upstairs under the pretense of moving a piano before placing her in a fatal chokehold.
The Oceanside School District confirmed that Horner has no prior criminal record and that the incident does not involve any students or school operations.
Superintendent Phyllis Harrington stated the staff member has been placed on administrative leave effective immediately.
Defense attorney Gregory Grizopoulos said his client maintains his innocence, highlighting Horner's standing as a tenured educator.
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Horner pleaded not guilty and remains held without bail, facing a maximum sentence of 25 years to life if convicted.
