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1 • Thursday, January 19, 2017 - The Independent
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Bensenville
Independent
also serving Wood Dale
VOL. 17 • NO. 3
WWW.THEINDEPENDENTNEWSPAPERS.COM
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THURSDAY, JUNE 3, 2021
Wood Dale man stands accused of killing his father On Tuesday, May 18, DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert B. Berlin and Wood Dale Chief of Police Greg Vesta announced that bond had been set for a Wood Dale man charged with the murder of his father, Robert Castellano, also of Wood Dale. Joshua Castellano, 30, of the 200 block of Forest View, appeared before Judge Brian Telander who set bond at $2 million with 10% to apply. Castellano has been charged with one count of First-Degree Murder.
On Sunday, May 16 at approximately 3:55 a.m., officers with the Wood Dale Police Department were dispatched to the Forest View address to the home the men shared in response to an alleged fall of the homeowner, Robert Castellano. Upon their arrival, officers located Robert Castellano lying on his back on a bed. Officers observed that he was having difficulty breathing and was suffering from a one-inch laceration near his ribs. Castellano was pro-
nounced dead at the scene. Officers also observed blood on the floor and bed. Following an investigation by the Wood Dale Police Department, it is alleged that at some point in the night, a verbal altercation between Robert Castellano and his son Joshua turned physical at which time Joshua stabbed his father with a large sword, which was found wrapped in a blanket under the bed in which Robert Castellano was lying. “This case is a tragic reminder that domestic violence is not confined to
the traditional intimate partner scenario that most of us think of when we hear domestic violence,” Berlin said. “In fact, according to the FBI, in 2019, nationally there were 344 murders in which a child murdered their parent. I would like to thank the Wood Dale Police Department.” “Domestic violence is a problem that unfortunately affects every single community and our thoughts are with the family that is dealing with this loss,” Vesta said. “I would like to thank members of the DuPage
County State’s Attorney’s Office and investigators from the DuPage M.E.R.I.T. Major Crimes and Forensic Investigations units for their assistance in bringing this case to a timely and thorough conclusion.” Castellano’s next court appearance is scheduled for May 27, 2021, for arraignment in front of Judge Telander. Members of the public are reminded that this complaint contains only charges and is not proof of the defendant’s guilt.
Fenton holds outdoor graduation
Inside:
SUBMITTED PHOTO Bensenville Independent
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The mortarboards flew high in the air above Fenton High School after graduation ceremonies were held for the class of 2021. Following a year of dealing with a global pandemic and the mask-wearing, social distancing and cancelled events that went with it, the seniors were finally able to graduate. More photos inside.
Congratulations Class of 2021
Congratulations to the Fenton Class of 2021! An outdoor ceremony was held on Sunday, May 16 in the football stadium. Graduates Brianna Tellez, Kylie Peterson, Aixa “Audrey” Benitez-Rojo, and Maryam Ghanimah took the podium for speeches. A recording of the Choir singing “We are Bison Pride” was played over the loudspeakers. Principal Jovan Lazarevic gave “elbows” and words of encouragement to every student as the crossed the stage. It is unknown when, if at all, Fenton last had an outdoor graduation. Mr. Lazarevic and Superintendent James Ongtengco thanked the Fenton graduation team for improvising so well. A week prior to graduation, a double-wide billboard overlooking nearby Route 83 was changed to give kudos to Fenton’s graduating seniors. It reads, “Congrats to the Class of 2021. Even a Global Pandemic Couldn’t Stop You!” Lazarevic and Ongtengco also congratulated and thanked the parents of the Class of 2021 for their achievement and partnership over the years. Fenton strives to develop relationships, most notably with its students as part of the education process, Ongtengco said. “Those relationships don’t have to end at graduation,” he said. “I invite [you] graduates to stay in touch and share news of their latest adventures.” Ongtengco also invited alums to attend future sporting games and performances.
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