Accused Valley Cottage Killer Was Woman's Ex-Partner: Police

CLARKSTOWN, NY — The Hillcrest resident accused of of shooting and killing Wanda Castor, 63 and Kathleen Castor, 27 but leaving Kathleen's baby Anastasia alive was apparently Kathleen's former domestic partner, Clarkstown Police Chief Raymond McCullagh said at a news conference Monday afternoon.

She had an order of protection against him.

Robert C. Williams III, 32, is due in Rockland County court Thursday. Williams was charged with two counts of Murder 2nd (felony), Criminal Possession of Weapon 2nd (felony) and Criminal Contempt 1st (felony). He was arraigned on Saturday by way of video conferencing, and Clarkstown Justice David Ascher sent him to Rockland County Jail.

McCullagh said it is possible that Williams is the father of 1-month-old Anastasia, but that police have not confirmed it.

McCullagh, Rockland County District Attorney Thomas Walsh and Clarkstown Town Supervisor George Hoehmann thanked the detectives and all the officers and agencies that supported the investigation, including the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, and SUEZ, the water company.

McCullagh said when investigators learned that some evidence in the case might have been thrown into Lake DeForest, SUEZ officials granted them access. He would not say if anything had been found.

"Having a double homicide in Clarkstown is something that's very rare, thank God," Hoehmann said, adding that the community's hearts go out to "a baby that will never know her mother or her grandmother."

Walsh said he assured the residents of Rockland that Wanda, Kathleen and Anastasia would have justice.

Rockland County Executive Assistant District Attorneys Stephen Moore and Nabeela McLeod are prosecuting the case.

Anyone with information should call Clarkstown detectives at 845-639-5840 or submit an anonymous tip via the "RocklandCO DA" TIP411 app. Text keyword ROCKLANDCODA to 847411, add a space, type in your tip information, and hit send.

SEE: Hillcrest Man Accused Of Killing 2 Valley Cottage Women