HILLCREST, NY – Robert C. Williams, 32, of Hillcrest, is facing life in prison without parole after being convicted by a jury for a 2020 double murder in Valley Cottage.
According to police records, on May 26, 2020, at 104 Lake Road in Valley Cottage, N.Y. the defendant, Robert C. Williams III, in possession of a loaded .40 Caliber firearm, entered the residence and proceeded to shoot and kill Kathleen Castor (age 27) and Wanda Castor (age 63).
“An active duly served Order of Protection was in place for Kathleen Castor, who had a previous relationship with the defendant. Wanda Castor is Kathleen Castor’s mother,” police said.
Kathleen’s newborn baby (1 month old) was left in the apartment alive and unharmed.Robert C. Williams III was found guilty 1 count of murder in the first degree, murder in the second degree, criminal possession of a weapon and criminal contempt.
District Attorney Tom Walsh said, “The events that unfolded on May 26, 2020, left the residents of Valley Cottage and Clarkstown in shock and anger. This senseless act of extreme violence was avoidable and resulted in a complete tragedy. I hope today’s guilty verdict brings some sense of justice to the Castor family. I commend the professionalism and assistance from the officers of the Clarkstown, Ramapo (Town of Ramapo Police Department, and Spring Valley (Spring Valley Police Department) Police Departments on this case.
A jury deliberated for two days before rendering a guilty verdict on all charges. Rockland County Court Judge Kevin Russo, who presided at trial, set sentencing for June 21, 2022, at which time Williams faces life in prison without parole (on the Murder 1st count).