In a significant legal development, Robert E. Crimo III, a 24-year-old man from Illinois, pleaded guilty on Monday to the tragic shooting that occurred during the 2022 Independence Day parade in Highland Park, a suburb of Chicago. This unexpected change in plea came just moments before opening statements were set to begin in his trial, where he faced multiple charges, including first-degree murder and attempted murder.
Appearing in a Lake County circuit courtroom, Crimo formally withdrew his previous not-guilty plea. Prosecutors had initially charged him with a staggering 21 counts of first-degree murder—three counts for each victim—and an additional 48 counts of attempted murder. Before the jury selection last week, prosecutors dropped 48 lesser counts of aggravated battery, streamlining the case as it progressed.
During the court proceedings, Judge Victoria Rossetti read the charges to Crimo and ensured he comprehended the implications of his plea. Dressed in a dark suit and seated beside his legal team, Crimo gave mostly one-word responses to the judge's inquiries. His mother, Denise Pesina, reacted emotionally to the plea change, prompting the judge to remind her to maintain decorum in the courtroom.
With this plea change, the anticipated trial will no longer take place, and jurors who had been selected were not even in the courtroom when the plea was entered. The legal proceedings had faced delays, in part due to Crimo’s unpredictable behavior. Last year, he had been poised to accept a plea deal, allowing victims and their families an opportunity to confront him directly, but he unexpectedly reversed his decision, even switching attorneys at one point.
Judge Rossetti confirmed that Crimo had "knowingly and voluntarily waived those rights" by pleading guilty. Prosecutors presented evidence, including Crimo’s own statements to police where he confessed to the mass shooting. Sentencing is scheduled for April 23, and given the nature of the charges, Crimo is likely to receive a life sentence without parole.
The courtroom was filled with survivors and their family members, many of whom expressed relief at the plea change. Ashbey Beasley, who attended the 2022 parade with her young son, shared her feelings of relief, stating, “Every single time I see him, it’s stressful. It’s upsetting for everyone in our community.” Survivors have faced considerable emotional trauma since the event, which left seven people dead and many others injured.
In response to the shooting, survivors and their families have initiated multiple lawsuits, including claims against the manufacturer of the semiautomatic rifle used in the attack. Jennifer McGuffin, a spokeswoman for a law firm representing many survivors, noted that those affected are seeking "civil justice" following this heartbreaking incident.
The Highland Park shooting shocked the community, with dozens injured, including individuals of all ages—from an 8-year-old boy who sustained life-altering injuries to elderly victims. Witnesses described scenes of chaos as the gunfire erupted, forcing families to flee for safety. Authorities reported that Crimo had fired from a rooftop, targeting unsuspecting parade-goers.
The community of Highland Park, with a population of approximately 30,000, has been deeply affected by the tragedy. City leaders canceled the traditional parade in 2023, opting instead for a "community walk" to honor the victims. They later reinstated the parade on a modified route with memorials for those lost.
Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rotering expressed the ongoing pain felt by the community, stating, “Our hearts remain with the victims, their families, and all those whose lives were forever changed by that devastating day.” As the legal proceedings conclude, the community continues to heal from the trauma of that fateful day.
