June 21st 2024.
Next week, Robert Crimo III is set to make a significant decision in the case against him. It has been almost two years since he allegedly opened fire at the Highland Park Independence Day parade, resulting in the tragic deaths of seven people and the injury of many others. Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart confirmed that Crimo, who previously pleaded not guilty to 117 felony counts, will be changing his plea at a hearing before Judge Victoria Rossetti next Wednesday.
While Rinehart did not disclose the specifics of the plea change, he did mention that the state’s attorney’s office has been in communication with the victims and survivors of the shooting as the situation has progressed. The office also reached out to inform them about the upcoming hearing, which was not originally scheduled until August. However, due to continued efforts from both prosecutors and Crimo’s public defender, a trial date has been set for February 2025.
According to court records, the case was called on Tuesday and a hearing was agreed upon for June 26. In preparation for Wednesday’s hearing, Deputy Chief Christopher Covelli of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, responsible for courthouse security, has ensured that an operational plan is in place. He noted that extra deputies will be present to maintain order both inside and outside of the courtroom.
Crimo faces multiple charges, including 21 counts of first-degree murder, and could potentially receive a sentence of natural life in prison if found guilty of murdering more than one person. He has been in custody since the evening of July 4, 2022, when he was pulled over by a police officer after being recognized in his vehicle. Prior to this, he is accused of climbing a store in downtown Highland Park and firing numerous rounds from an assault rifle into the crowd gathered for the Independence Day parade.
Authorities believe that Crimo disguised himself as a woman in order to blend in with the panicked parade-goers. He then fled to Wisconsin, where he reportedly considered carrying out another shooting. The tragic event claimed the lives of seven people, including a Highland Park couple, Kevin and Irina McCarthy, who were protecting their young son from the gunfire. Many others were also wounded.
In late 2022, Crimo’s father, Robert Crimo Jr., was also charged in connection with the shooting. It was revealed that he had signed forms allowing his underage son to purchase guns, despite indications in Crimo III’s past that should have raised concerns. The father pleaded guilty to misdemeanor reckless conduct and served a brief jail sentence last year. Both he and Crimo’s mother have been present at their son’s court hearings.
Last year, the City of Highland Park was forced to cancel its July 4 parade due to the tragedy. However, this year they will be resuming the event, preceded by a remembrance ceremony to honor the victims.
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