Hillcrest Resident Found Guilty of Double Homicide in Valley Cottage: Defendant Faces Life Without Parole

A Hillcrest man accused of a grisly double homicide was convicted of the crime on Tuesday, in the aftermath of a shooting that rocked Clarkstown . Robert C. Williams III 32, of Hillcrest, was arrested following a police investigation into the events of May 26, 2020, when noise complaints compelled Clarkstown police to visit the home of Kathleen Castor (27) and her mother Wanda Castor (63). Upon arrival, police discovered the residents murdered and Kathleen’s one month old daughter abandoned at the scene.

 Two years later, the Rockland County Districts Attorney’s office conclusively proved that Williams entered the apartment, at 104 Lake Road in Valley Cottage, N.Y., in possession of a loaded .40 Caliber firearm, and proceeded to shoot and kill Kathleen and  Wanda Castor. 

An active duly served Order of Protection was in place for Kathleen Castor, who had a previous relationship with the defendant. Williams was found guilty of two counts of murder in the first degree, criminal possession of a weapon, and two counts of criminal contempt. 

, “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, and Spring Valley Police Departments on this case.” said District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh II. 

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 may be sentenced to  life in prison without parole. 

  crime, Rockland crime