Tinley Park's Most-Read Stories Of 2024: See What Made Headlines

TINLEY PARK, IL — It's been a momentous year in Tinley Park news. Top headlines spanned the murders of a woman and her three daughters, the closing of an iconic local watering hole, and a single mom in dire need of a liver donor to save her own life.

Some stories rocked the town, others inspired it.

Presented below in no particular order, here’s a recap of the most-read stories of 2024 on Tinley Park Patch. Let's take a look back.

'They're Gone. Everything Is OK', Tinley Man Told Cops After Slayings

A Tinley Park man, 19, was home and witnessed the slayings of his mother and three sisters by his father inside their Tinley Park home, according to documents released after their accused killer appeared in court.

Maher Kassem, 63, of the 7400 block of 173rd Place, was charged Tuesday with four counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of wife Majeda Kassem, 53, and daughters Halema Kassem, 25, Hanan Kassem, 24, and Zahia Kassem, 25, who were all shot multiple times the morning of Sunday, Jan. 21

• Follow-up: Slain Mom, Daughters Remembered For Strong Bond, 'Gentle' Natures

Hours-long Standoff Continues in Tinley Park: PD

A standoff with police spanned 17 hours in October.

• Follow-up: Tinley Man Charged With Kidnapping, Gun Offense After 17-Hour Standoff: Sheriff

Dendrinos Closes Permanently After 54 Years

Dendrinos at 183rd and Oak Park Avenue has served its last beers.

The business, 18300 S. Oak Park Ave., closed permanently Dec. 31, just a minute before the new year struck, according to an email to Village officials. It had been open for 54 years.

'Life Or Death': Tinley Mom Of 2 Desperate To Find Living Liver Donor

A Tinley Park single mom of two is grasping at what doctors say is her last option to save her own life.

"I am searching for a living donor as the wait list for a liver is years long, and I do not have that time on my side," said Elizabeth Heaton.

• Follow-up: 'WE DID IT': Tinley Mom Of 2 Receives Life-Saving Liver Transplant

Tinley Park 'Squatter' Found Guilty, Finally

Nearly a decade after a woman was outed for "squatting" in a Tinley Park home for two years, a judge finally found her guilty.

Michele Parker, who lived in the house on Mallow Street rent- and mortgage-free, was convicted on May 13 of burglary, theft and providing false information, the Cook County State's Attorney's Office confirmed to Patch.

Tinley Man Killed Changing Tire Was 'Awe-Inspiring' Marine: GoFundMe

A 28-year-old Tinley Park man fatally struck while changing a tire on I-55 Southbound was a Marine sergeant known for his selflessness and drive for perfection, according to a GoFundMe started in support of his family.

Animals, Humans Safe After Dryer Fire At PAWS Tinley Park

No animals or humans were injured when a fire broke out in the laundry room of PAWS Tinley Park, according to Tinley Park Fire Chief Steve Klotz.

Deployed 300 Days, Tinley Dad Surprises Kids With Holiday Homecoming

Chris Lockhart had been deployed for nearly a year, so his face was likely the last his children expected to see inside Bannes Elementary.

Horses Make Safe Escape On Oak Park Avenue, Tinley Shop Saves The Day

If you saw it, you probably did a double take. four large horses were spotted being led up Oak Park Avenue. No parade, no special occasion. Just four horses clip-clopping up the street in Tinley Park's downtown.

The scene was the calm following the chaos moments earlier, when a horse trailer broke down on I-80 en route home to Idaho. Panicked, the owners scrambled to find some place that could get their rig driveable—and keep their horses safe.

A Story's End: Final Sendoff Planned For Century-Old Teehan's Building

With the last day of business in its current building set for March 3, 2024, staff at the beloved pub made it a point to pour all they have into giving its fans a sense of closure at the end of this chapter.

Tinley Gourmet Popcorn Shop To Close, Owners Grateful With No Regrets

Tracy and Dave Smith gave it all they've got, but just short of two years in, they were faced with a decision they hoped would not come—or at least not so soon.

The husband-wife duo of Popus Gourmet Popcorn in downtown Tinley Park announced they would close their shop, citing sales struggles and location woes.

Little Joe's Tinley Park Location Sold, Family Says Goodbye

The owners of Tinley Park's longstanding pizza place Little Joe's have sold the location, marking the end of the family's more than half a century in business.