Ex-Lover Who Spared Baby Murdered Woman And Her Mother: Jury

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY — Two years after a mother and grandmother were found shot to death in Valley Cottage, a Rockland County jury has found the daughter's ex-lover guilty on all counts, Rockland County District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh II announced Tuesday.

It's been almost two years since Kathleen Castor, 27, and her mother Wanda Castor, 63, were slain in their home on Lake Road.

Kathleen Castor had an order of protection out against Robert C. Williams III, but it did not stop the 32-year-old Hillcrest resident from walking into their house on May 26, 2020 with a .40 caliber gun.

He killed them both, leaving Kathleen Castor's 1-month-old daughter alive and alone.

He was arrested four days later following a multi-state investigation.

The jury deliberated for two days before finding Williams guilty on all charges:

• Murder 1st
• Murder 2nd (2 counts)
• Criminal Possession of a Weapon 2nd
• Criminal Contempt 1st (2 counts)

"The events that unfolded on May 26, 2020, left the residents of Valley Cottage and Clarkstown in shock and anger," Walsh said in a news release. "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."

Rockland County Court Judge Kevin Russo, who presided at the trial, set sentencing for June 21, at which time Williams faces life in prison without parole on the first-degree murder count.

The homicide investigation was conducted by the Clarkstown Police Department. Executive Assistant District Attorney Nabeela McLeod and Executive Assistant District Attorney Doreen Lloyd prosecuted the case.

SEE:

• Valley Cottage Killings: Grandmother, Mother Identified
• Hillcrest Man Accused Of Killing 2 Valley Cottage Women