Highland Park Shooter Changes Plea to Guilty Before Opening Statements

Waukegan, Illinois – Robert E. Crimo III, 23, pleaded guilty Monday to seven counts of first-degree murder and 48 counts of attempted murder in connection with the 2022 Independence Day parade shooting in Highland Park, a suburb of Chicago. This plea change, made just before the trial was set to begin, eliminates the need for a lengthy court trial that had been marked by Crimo’s unpredictable courtroom behavior.

The guilty plea comes nearly three years after a gunman opened fire on parade attendees, killing seven individuals and injuring dozens more. Crimo, who was charged with 21 counts of murder, made the plea following discussions with his attorneys and acknowledgment from Judge Victoria A. Rossetti that no trial would proceed. ‘He has knowingly and voluntarily waived those rights and pleaded guilty,’ Judge Rossetti stated.

The attack that took place during the Highland Park parade on July 4, 2022, traumatized the closely-knit community. The deceased victims included Katherine Goldstein, 64; Jacquelyn Sundheim, 63; Stephen Straus, 88; Nicolas Toledo-Zaragoza, 78; Eduardo Uvaldo, 69; and married couple Kevin McCarthy, 37, and Irina McCarthy, 35. Prosecutors detailed evidence linking Crimo to the shooting, including his fingerprints on the weapon used in the crime and confessions made during police interrogations.

In court, Crimo appeared dressed in a dark suit and maintained a reserved demeanor, offering mostly one-word responses as the judge confirmed his understanding of the charges. Crimo’s mother, Denise Pesina, reacted emotionally during the proceedings, leading to a brief admonishment from the judge to remain quiet.

Following the shooting, Crimo’s father, Robert Crimo Jr., was charged and later pleaded guilty in 2023 to misdemeanor counts related to his son’s gun license acquisition process. Authorities indicated that Crimo obtained his firearm legally with his father’s sponsorship despite previous alarming reports concerning his behavior.

As the court session unfolded, security measures were stringent, with multiple bag checks and a prohibition on electronic devices to maintain order amid the emotionally charged atmosphere. Survivors and families of victims were present, reflecting the persistent trauma the community has faced since the shooting.

Katherine Goldstein’s family is among those who have filed lawsuits against the gun manufacturer and local authorities, alleging negligence. Mayor Nancy Rotering previously emphasized that Highland Park does not wish to be defined solely by the tragedy and has reinstated the parade in 2024 with a focus on community resilience.

Sentencing for Crimo is scheduled for April 23, with each count of first-degree murder carrying a potential life sentence without parole. The trial’s developments have drawn significant media attention, putting extra pressure on jury selection, which had already faced numerous delays due to concerns regarding potential jurors’ biases related to the highly publicized case.

In the days leading up to the trial, Crimo displayed erratic behavior, including refusals to appear in court for hearings and firing his legal representation. This behavior complicated what many anticipated would be a straightforward trial process. Eric Johnson, a law professor, noted, ‘Anything could happen at this point,’ indicating ongoing uncertainties surrounding Crimo’s behavior.