WAUKEGAN, Ill. (AP) — Survivors and relatives of those killed in a 2022 mass shooting during an Independence Day parade in suburban Chicago are preparing to address the shooter, Robert E. Crimo III, at his sentencing hearing. This important event is scheduled for Wednesday, marking a significant moment for the victims’ families as they seek closure and justice.
Robert E. Crimo III, now 24 years old, pleaded guilty last month to charges stemming from the shooting that resulted in the deaths of seven individuals and injured dozens more. His sudden change of plea, which occurred just moments before the anticipated opening statements of his trial, surprised many, especially given the lengthy and unpredictable path the legal proceedings had taken over the years.
Upon receiving his sentence, Crimo is likely to spend the remainder of his life behind bars, as each first-degree murder count in Illinois carries a maximum life sentence without the possibility of parole. Attorneys representing the victims assert that allowing them to confront Crimo in court is a crucial aspect of their healing process. “They have been patiently waiting for justice to be served,” stated a representative from Romanucci & Blandin, a Chicago-based law firm representing nearly 50 victims.
The number of victims delivering statements during the hearing remains uncertain, as some may decide to participate at the last minute. Prosecutors are expected to present evidence as part of the sentencing process at the Lake County Courthouse, located approximately 45 miles (70 kilometers) from Chicago.
Crimo's case has progressed slowly through the court system, a delay attributed in part to his unpredictable behavior. He had indicated a willingness to accept a plea deal in the previous year but retracted his decision just before his court appearance, shocking his attorneys. At various points, he fired his public defenders, attempted to represent himself, and later reversed that decision. Notably, he even signed documents waiving his right to trial under both his name and the name “Donald Trump.”
Ashbey Beasley, a parade attendee who was with her son in 2022, said they had to flee for their lives during the shooting. Although they were not physically injured, the emotional trauma remains significant. Beasley expressed her distress at the thought of seeing Crimo again, stating, “Every single time I see him, it’s stressful. It’s upsetting for everyone in our community.”
The horrific shooting, which occurred in Highland Park—approximately 30 miles (50 kilometers) north of Chicago—left many wounded, ranging in age from 8 years old to 88 years old. Witnesses vividly recounted the confusion and terror that ensued as families fled from the downtown parade route, abandoning their belongings in their haste.
Prosecutors have a comprehensive body of evidence against Crimo, including a videotaped confession he made to police. Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart remarked, “We were 1,000% ready to go to trial and prove him guilty to the jury. We have been working for years to prepare our evidence.” Initially, Crimo faced 21 counts of first-degree murder—three counts for each victim—along with 48 counts of attempted murder related to the injured. However, prosecutors ultimately dropped 48 lesser charges of aggravated battery prior to the commencement of jury selection.
The Highland Park community, which has a population of roughly 30,000, has been deeply affected by the tragedy. Some potential jurors had to be excused from service due to their connections with the case. In response to the shooting, several survivors have pursued lawsuits against both Crimo and the firearm manufacturer Smith & Wesson.
In light of the tragedy, local leaders canceled the traditional 2023 Independence Day parade, opting instead for a “community walk.” The parade was reinstated the subsequent year along a different route and included a memorial for the victims.
The shooting claimed the lives of seven individuals: Katherine Goldstein (64), Jacquelyn Sundheim (63), Stephen Straus (88), Nicolas Toledo-Zaragoza (78), Eduardo Uvaldo (69), and the married couple Kevin McCarthy (37) and Irina McCarthy (35).
Crimo's father, Robert Crimo Jr., a former mayoral candidate, faced legal consequences related to how his son obtained a gun license. He pleaded guilty in 2023 to seven misdemeanor counts of reckless conduct and served less than two months in jail after his sentencing.
