A 25-year-old New York PhD student who prosecutors say was raped and murdered by her own brother-in-law had once publicly described him as “one of the most wonderful people in the world”, making the case even more heartbreaking.

Victoria Castle, a doctoral student at Stony Brook University, was found dead inside her North Massapequa home on June 29. Authorities have charged her brother-in-law, Joseph Horner, 27, with murder and rape, alleging he attacked her while his wife, Castle’s sister, was away on a bachelorette trip.

What did Victoria Castle write about her brother-in-law?

Less than three years before her death, Castle celebrated her sister’s wedding in a heartfelt Facebook post.

“My sister, my person, my partner in chaos, is now married to one of the most wonderful people in the world,” she wrote alongside a photo of the newlyweds sharing a kiss.

“I love you both forever!”

What do prosecutors say happened?

According to prosecutors, Horner had been “obsessed” with Castle for more than a decade before the alleged attack.

Investigators say the incident unfolded at the family’s shared North Massapequa residence, where Horner lived in an upstairs apartment with his wife while Castle occupied a ground-floor unit.

Authorities allege Horner asked Castle to help him move a piano before attacking her from behind. Prosecutors claim he placed her in a chokehold until she lost consciousness, then sexually assaulted and strangled her.

Suspect allegedly confessed after calling 911

Following the alleged attack, Horner reportedly called 911 and remained at the scene until police arrived.

According to investigators, he admitted to detectives that he had committed the crime and was arrested at the residence.

During his arraignment, prosecutors described the killing as the culmination of years of fixation on Castle.

Who were Victoria Castle and Joseph Horner?

Castle was pursuing a PhD at Stony Brook University and was remembered by friends and family as a promising young academic.

Horner worked as a music teacher in the Oceanside School District on Long Island before his arrest.

The case has shocked the local community because both families lived under the same roof, and prosecutors allege the attack occurred while Castle’s sister was out of town.

Investigation continues

Horner has been formally charged in connection with Castle’s death. Prosecutors are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the case as it moves through the New York criminal justice system.

If convicted, Horner could face a lengthy prison sentence. Court proceedings are ongoing, and authorities have not disclosed additional details about a possible motive beyond the alleged long-term obsession described during the arraignment.