Tinley Chief: Richard Castellana Made The World A Better Place

TINLEY PARK, IL — A moment of silence was held during Tuesday evening's Board of Trustees meeting, as officials remembered Richard Castellana, the former Cook County Sheriff's Deputy who was killed in an ambush outside a bank in Gary, Indiana.

Castellana, 55, was a Tinley Park resident who also served as a Cook County Sheriff's Deputy for 35 years, and retired in 2019. He was fatally shot Friday outside a First Midwest Bank during a robbery attempt.

At the Tuesday meeting in Tinley Park, Police Chief Matthew Walsh talked about his relationship with Castellana, and held a moment of silence.

"My sincerest condolences [go to] the entire Castellana family for this tragic and senseless loss," Walsh said. "As much as Ricky's known for this event — this terrible incident — Ricky was much more than that."

Walsh went on to say that Castellana was a devoted husband to his wife, and a loving father to his children. The chief said Castellana was a court services deputy that was well-known, and helped the elderly often, as well as provided protection, security and comfort.

Although they never worked together, Walsh said he and Castellana had met many times at social events, full of good times.

"He had a quick wit, a tremendous sense of humor and the ability to make everybody laugh," Walsh said. "Ricky will be missed by all who knew him. I truly believe the world is a better place because Ricky was in it. He has no idea how many lives he has touched."

The Lake County Sheriff's Office said 24-year-old James A. King, of Miami, Florida, has been charged with murder in perpetration of a robbery and armed robbery in the killing of Castellana. Lake County investigators believe King had a handgun during the crime, and apprehended him in a "wooded area."

A report filed with the Indiana prosecutor's office states a backpack containing a .40 caliber Glock model 22 handgun and approximately $9,000 was located near where King was apprehended.

Officials are still searching for the second suspect at this time. The FBI is investigating.

According to his obituary, visitation for Castellana will take place at 1 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, with a prayer service at 4 p.m. at the Lawn Funeral Home, 17909 S. 94th Ave. in Tinley Park.

Related:

Tinley Park Man Identified As Guard Killed In Gary Bank Shooting