Hillcrest Man Gets Life in Prison for Valley Cottage Double Murder

Adam Devine

VALLEY COTTAGE, NY – A Hillcrest man was sentenced to life in prison after being convicted by a jury on all counts, including two counts of murder for a 2020 double homicide in Valley Cottage.

According to Rockland County District Attorney Tom Walsh, Robert C. Williams III, 34 of Hillcrest, New York was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole after being found guilty on all charges.

Police reports detail the event.

“On May 26, 2020, at 104 Lake Road in Valley Cottage, New York, 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,” the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office said in a statement. “Kathleen’s newborn baby, one month old Anastasia, was left in the apartment alive and unharmed.”


District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh II said, “On May 26, 2020, one month old Anastasia lost both her mother and grandmother due to the barbaric actions of the defendant. We hope that with Williams sentencing the Clarkstown community and the Castor family can begin the healing process. I would like to thank the Clarkstown Police Department and their Detective Bureau, Town of Ramapo Police Department, Spring Valley Police Department, Rockland County Sheriff’s Office, Westchester County Department of Public Safety, and Prosecutors from the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office for their work in ensuring justice was served.”

Clarkstown Police Chief Jeffery Wanamaker said, “The murders of Wanda and Kathleen Castor was a wanton disregard for human life. I appreciate all those who worked to bring justice to the Castor family, especially our responding officers, Detective Bureau and the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office. We continue to remember the lives that were lost, and the family left behind from that day. Our heartfelt condolences are shared with the family and friends of Wanda and Kathleen.”

In April of 2022, a Rockland County Jury deliberated for two days before rendering a guilty verdict on all charges. Today, Rockland County Court Judge Kevin Russo sentenced Robert C. Williams III to life in prison without the possibility of parole on the Murder 1st count, 25 years to life for Murder 2nd (2 counts), 15 years for Criminal Possession of a Weapon 2nd, and two – four years for each count of Criminal Contempt 1st. The Judge issued a permanent order of protection, for 50 years, for 2-year-old Anastasia.

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