HAMMOND, Ind. (AP) — A federal jury has convicted a Gary man of armed robbery and a weapons charge in the slaying of a bank security guard last year, prosecutors said Thursday.
The jury found Hailey Gist-Holden, 26, guilty of armed robbery and using, carrying, brandishing and discharging a firearm during the June 11, 2021, robbery at First Midwest Bank in Gary, prosecutors said.
Gist-Holden was arrested a week later in Georgia.
Security guard Richard Castellana, 55, of Tinley Park, Illinois, died during the robbery.
The jury returned the verdict following a nine-day trial presided over by U.S. District Court Judge Philp Simon, prosecutors said.
Gist-Holden’s sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 19, 2023.
Co-defendants James Anthony King of Miami and Kenyon Hawkins pled guilty to armed bank robbery and murder resulting from the discharge of a firearm during the robbery, prosecutors said. Both are awaiting sentencing.
Police say Gist-Holden and King, armed with a handgun and rifle, stormed the bank and ambushed Castellana before he saw them coming. They allegedly fled with $9,771. Hawkins' alleged role wasn't clear.
The government alleged Gist-Holden carried out the bank robbery to bail out his semipro football team, the Illini Panthers.
Authorities said Gist-Holden needed money to pay his players, their hotel bills and rent on his Gary home. They allege Gist-Holden enlisted King, one of his football players, to assist in the robbery.
-
IMPD investigating after victim arrives at Riley Hospital with a gunshot injury
The victim was reported to be in critical condition. IMPD says the age of the victim, or the shooting occurred is not yet known.
No. 2 Ohio State takes control in the 2nd half and runs over No. 5 Indiana 38-15
The Hoosiers had their chance to beat the Buckeyes for the first time since 1988 but were hurt by special teams mistakes and an Ohio State defense that sacked Kurtis Rourke five times.
Cost of Thanksgiving dinner is down but the need in the community is up
Experts say the cost of this year's Thanksgiving dinner is slightly cheaper than previous years. Local organizations say that slight relief isn't enough to reduce the need at this time of the year.
Experts: Car, home lockouts and plumbing calls increase during Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is less than a week away. Local experts shared tips to keep your house running smoothly during the holiday.
