Article Summary –
Robert E. Crimo III, the man accused of killing seven people and injuring dozens at a 2022 Independence Day parade in a Chicago suburb, rejected a plea deal that required him to plead guilty to seven charges of murder. Prosecutors had offered an agreement that would have sentenced him to life in prison without eligibility for release. The case, which has seen Crimo change lawyers and reverse decisions, is set for trial in February, leaving victims and their families facing months of uncertainty.
Robert Crimo III Rejects Guilty Plea in 2022 Independence Day Parade Shooting
Robert E. Crimo III, accused of killing seven and injuring dozens at a 2022 Independence Day parade in a Chicago suburb, declined a plea deal that would necessitate him admitting guilt to seven murder charges. The unexpected courtroom development occurred days before the attack’s second anniversary.
In the Lake County courtroom, prosecutors outlined the agreement. Crimo, if guilty, would face a life sentence for the Highland Park shooting spree. Prosecutor Ben Dillon expressed that the deal involved Crimo pleading guilty to seven counts of first-degree murder and 48 counts of aggravated battery with a firearm, leading to life imprisonment without parole possibility.
When asked by Judge Victoria Rossetti if this agreement was previously discussed with his lawyers, Crimo remained silent, glancing back at his parents seated in the courtroom. Defense attorneys Greg Ticsay and Anton Trizna briefly conferred with Crimo before retreating to a private room. Upon their return, Crimo once again refused the plea deal in a shocking turn of events.
This abrupt change left the courtroom filled with victims’ relatives in disbelief. Some hoped to provide statements in court, seeking closure ahead of the Independence Day holiday. Instead, they face the prospect of a trial, accusing Crimo of intentionally inflicting further emotional harm.
Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart, post-hearing, reassured victims and their families of support and preparedness for the February trial. Crimo’s public defenders did not comment on the case.
Crimo was initially charged with 21 counts of first-degree murder — three for each victim — and 48 counts each of attempted murder and aggravated battery. A previous decision to represent himself was quickly reversed, adding another twist in the slowly progressing case.
Witnesses of the shooting recalled confusion followed by panic as families escaped the downtown Highland Park parade, leaving behind personal belongings. Among the victims ranging from 8 to 80 years old, an 8-year-old boy was left partially paralyzed.
The incident reignited debates on Highland Park’s 2013 ban on semi-automatic weapons and large-capacity magazines. Authorities revealed Crimo, a resident of nearby Highwood, legally procured the firearm used in the shooting. He first applied for a state gun license at 19, sponsored by his father, despite earlier reports of Crimo III threatening to “kill everyone” and himself.
Robert Crimo Jr., who initially faced seven felony counts of reckless conduct, pleaded guilty to seven misdemeanor counts of reckless conduct in November. He served a 60-day sentence and was released early for good conduct. He refrained from commenting post-hearing.
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