In what should have been a joyous time for a new mother, 27-year-old Kathleen Denise Castor's life was tragically cut short. On May 26, 2020, she and her 63-year-old mother, Wanda Castor, were found shot to death in their home on Lake Road in Valley Cottage, a quiet hamlet near New City, New York. The discovery sent shockwaves through the community, not only for the brutal nature of the crime but also for the small miracle left behind in the midst of the tragedy.
When Clarkstown police
responded to the residence, they were met with a horrific scene. Both Kathleen and Wanda had succumbed to gunshot wounds in a violent end to their lives. However, a glimmer of hope was found amidst the despair: Kathleen's one-month-old infant daughter, Anastasia, was discovered unharmed in the home. The baby was immediately taken to a local hospital for evaluation and was subsequently placed in the care of Child Protective Services. For Kathleen, who was described by family as being so excited to be a new mother, this discovery was a heartbreaking testament to the future that was stolen from her.
The investigation into the double homicide quickly zeroed in on a suspect: Robert C. Williams III, a 32-year-old man from Hillcrest who was identified as Kathleen's former domestic partner. The relationship had a history of domestic violence, which had even led to an order of protection being filed by Kathleen against Williams. Despite this, the violence escalated to a fatal conclusion. Four days after the murders, following a multi-state investigation, Williams was apprehended.
Robert C. Williams III was charged with a litany of offenses, including first-degree murder, two counts of second-degree murder, criminal possession of a weapon, and two counts of criminal contempt. Nearly two years after the senseless killings, his trial commenced. The evidence presented painted a grim picture of the events that transpired. The prosecution successfully argued their case, and the jury found Williams guilty on all counts. He was subsequently sentenced to life in prison for the murders of Kathleen and Wanda Castor, bringing a measure of justice to a family shattered by an act of brutal domestic violence.
