Man accused in deadly 2022 shooting rampage at July 4 parade goes on trial
Jury selection began Monday for the trial of an Illinois man accused of opening fire at an Independence Day parade in suburban Chicago in 2022, turning the patriotic festivities into a chaotic bloodbath that left seven people dead and dozens more wounded.
Robert Crimo III, now 24, is accused of firing into the crowd from a rooftop overlooking the parade in Highland Park. Authorities say he then fled, disguising himself as a woman to blend into the pandemonium ignited by the barrage of bullets.
A massive manhunt led to Crimo's arrest hours later while driving his mother’s car, and prosecutors say he confessed to what they described as a well-orchestrated and carefully planned attack. He has pleaded not guilty to all 117 criminal counts, including counts of first-degree murder. The maximum sentence he faces would be life without parole.
Crimo has a history of erratic behavior that includes at least two involvements with police. In April 2019, police were called to investigate a possible suicide attempt; they were called again in September after a relative said Crimo threatened to “kill everyone” in his family.
Crimo walked into the Lake County courtroom in Waukegan wearing a suit and tie, clean shaven with his hair cut short, The Associated Press reported. Jurors were in another part of the courthouse filling out questionnaires as court came to order.
A judge ruled last week that witnesses to the shooting rampage, along with victims' family members, would be allowed to view the proceedings in the courtroom, even though most are scheduled to testify.
Highland Park Mayor Nacy Rotering issued a statement saying the start of the trial means the community "is once again reminded of the immense pain and trauma" the assault caused.
"This trial brings us closer to the truth and acknowledgment of the harm done," the statement said. "We remain committed to supporting the victims and ensuring that their voices are heard throughout this process. As we await the trial’s outcome, we reaffirm our dedication to building a safer, more compassionate community, where such a tragedy is never repeated."
Crimo previously backed out of plea deal
Crimo agreed last year to plead guilty to seven counts of first-degree murder and 48 counts of aggravated battery with a firearm in connection with the attack, according to the Lake County State's Attorney's office. But during a court hearing in June, Crimo changed his mind, compelling the judge to set the trial date.
Later that day, Leah Sundheim, whose mother, Jacki Lovi Sundheim, 63, was killed in the shooting, called Crimo "evil and manipulative."
"All I wanted was to fully grieve my mom without the looming trial, knowing that he is going to spend the rest of his life in jail," Sundheim said. "Instead we were yet again shown his complete and blatant disregard for humans or anyone."
Illinois passed an assault weapons ban six months after the mass shooting. The Protect Illinois Communities Act made Illinois one of at least nine states to approve some form of ban on assault-style weapons. The law prohibits the sale, manufacture, possession and purchase of assault-style weapons, assault weapon attachments and .50-caliber cartridges in the state of Illinois.
Crimo's father helped son obtain gun
In November of 2023, Crimo's father, Robert Crimo Jr. pleaded guilty to seven counts of reckless conduct and was sentenced to 60 days in jail and 100 hours of community service. He was initially charged with seven felony counts of reckless conduct.
Lake County State's Attorney Eric Rinehart said last year that Crimo Jr. took a "reckless and unjustified risk" when he sponsored an application for his son to obtain a firearm owners ID card in 2019, allowing him to apply for a gun license. Authorities said he sponsored the application even after a relative had accused his son of threatening to "kill everyone."