A horrifying crime has shocked the United States after a 27-year-old music teacher from Long Island was charged with raping and murdering his 25-year-old sister-in-law inside the family home while his wife was away on a trip.
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How the horrific crime unfolded
According to authorities, the 27-year-old lured his wife’s sister to their home in North Massapequa, New York, under the pretense of helping him move a piano. Prosecutors allege that once she arrived, he attacked her from behind, strangled her until she lost consciousness, and then sexually assaulted her. Following the attack, the suspect reportedly called 911 himself and remained at the scene until officers arrived. Authorities say he admitted to attacking the 25-year-old woman, who was rushed to hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries.
Long Island music teacher charged in sister-in-law’s murder; prosecutors allege sexual motivation https://t.co/5XnYspppIe
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He had developed an obsessive attraction to the victim as far back as 2017
Prosecutors allege that the 27-year-old had harbored an obsessive fixation on the victim since 2017 — years before the crime took place. The victim was a PhD candidate at Stony Brook University and lived on the ground floor of the same residence, while the suspect and his wife occupied the upper floor. He has been charged with second-degree murder and pleaded not guilty at his first court appearance. The court ordered him held without bail. Meanwhile, the school district where he worked announced that he has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of legal proceedings.
🔥 New York Ph.D student was raped and murdered by her obsessed brother-in-law
According to prosecutors, 27-year-old Long Island music teacher Joseph Horner had been obsessed with his sister-in-law, Victoria Castle, for nearly eight years.
Horner lived with his wife in an… pic.twitter.com/EJHCgESkhz
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His defense attorney described the case as a tragedy that has devastated the entire family, noting that his client had until now maintained a positive reputation as an educator. The investigation by US authorities remains ongoing.
