In a significant turn of events nearly three years after a tragic shooting that claimed seven lives during a Fourth of July parade in suburban Chicago, Robert E. Crimo III has pleaded guilty to numerous charges, including murder and attempted murder. The hearing took place on Monday, where Lake County Judge Victoria A. Rossetti inquired, “Is this what you want to do today, plead guilty?” to which the 24-year-old Crimo responded affirmatively.
Crimo, dressed in a black suit and white shirt, remained stoic as he listened to the reading of his guilty plea, which encompassed a total of 69 criminal counts. During the proceedings, Crimo’s mother, Denise Pesina, expressed her objection to the plea, prompting an officer to prepare to escort her out. However, Judge Rossetti intervened, stating, “I don’t want to embarrass you. You are his mother, but you are not a party to this proceeding. If you want to stay, please take a seat and be quiet.”
The sentencing for Crimo is set for April 23. Judge Rossetti indicated that he would face life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. This decision has been met with relief by many affected by the shooting. “I think there was a huge collective sigh of relief,” shared Ashbey Beasley, a survivor who attended the parade with her son and described the chaos as they "ran for their lives" when the shooting erupted. “We wanted justice,” she added.
Law enforcement officials have reported that Crimo meticulously planned the attack in Highland Park, Illinois, for several weeks. He allegedly opened fire from a rooftop using an AR-style rifle and subsequently fled the scene disguised in women’s clothing. Following the attack, Crimo drove to Madison, Wisconsin, where he contemplated committing another mass shooting. Police apprehended him approximately eight hours post-incident.
Authorities have stated that Crimo confessed to firing three 30-round magazines into the crowd during what prosecutors have described as a “premeditated and calculated attack.” Notably, this incident lacked a clear motive, adding to the tragedy surrounding the events of that day.
Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart remarked on the plea announcement, emphasizing it was for all the victims “who were physically hurt, who bled, who cried, who may never heal.” He pointed out that the shooting transformed “a day of celebration and freedom that should have been about returning to normalcy after the pandemic into a day of anguish and bloodshed.”
The victims of this horrific incident ranged in age from 35 to 88 years. Among them were Irina and Kevin McCarthy, who tragically lost their lives while shielding their 2-year-old son. Additionally, an 8-year-old boy, Cooper Roberts, was left paralyzed from the waist down, highlighting the devastating impact of the shooting. One parent even placed his young son in a dumpster for safety while trying to locate and protect other family members.
Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rotering expressed her ongoing support for the victims and their families, stating, “Our hearts remain with the families whose loved ones were senselessly taken, those who were injured, and everyone whose lives were forever changed by this horrific act. Today’s guilty plea is an important step towards justice, but it does not erase the pain we share.”
